Go Back
+ servings
A cup of aromatic masala tea concentrate with spices and herbs

Masala Tea Concentrate

A flavorful and aromatic drink, Masala Tea Concentrate is perfect for quickly preparing homemade chai. This easy recipe combines spices with black tea for a comforting and energizing beverage.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage, Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the tea concentrate
  • 4 cups water
  • 10 whole black peppercorns
  • 7 whole cloves
  • 1 stick cinnamon, broken into pieces
  • 6 whole green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the water.
  3. Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes. Use a strainer over the saucepan to catch loose leaves if using loose tea.
  4. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
  5. Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  6. Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Serving
  1. To serve, mix one part Masala Tea Concentrate with one part milk of your choice. Heat the mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 49gSugar: 49g

Notes

Adjust the sugar according to your taste. For a spicier drink, increase the ginger or add more spices. For a caffeine-free option, use caffeine-free tea bags. Store leftover concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!