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Homemade Chai Tea

A rich and aromatic homemade chai tea made with whole spices, black tea, milk, and sweetener.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2 tea bags or 1 tablespoon loose leaf Assam tea
  • 1 cinnamon stick about 3 inches long
  • 4 cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger sliced thin
  • 4 peppercorns crushed
  • 0.75 cup milk whole milk for richness
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or sugar to taste

Equipment

  • Small saucepan (2-3 quart capacity)
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Two mugs or teacups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Pour 1.5 cups water into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edge, about 2 minutes.
  2. Lightly crush 4 cardamom pods with the flat side of a knife and add them along with 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 4 crushed peppercorns to the water; stir gently and let the spices bloom for 2 minutes.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon sliced fresh ginger to the pan and simmer together with the spices for another 2 minutes.
  4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add 2 tea bags or 1 tablespoon loose leaf Assam tea to the boiling water, stir briefly, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Pour in 0.75 cup milk and add 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or sugar to taste, stirring to combine.
  7. Bring the chai back to a gentle simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  8. Strain the chai through a fine mesh strainer into mugs, discarding the solids, and serve immediately.

Notes

Store the spice-infused tea base separately in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat gently before adding fresh milk and sweetener.