What is Masala Chai?

Most Americans have come to associate the word “chai” with the sweet coffee shop latte version of milk plus a sweetened, flavored concentrate. Years ago, Oprah made an impression on my mother-in-law, when she talked about chai and it’s possible health benefits. Oprah was most likely referring to the traditional black tea and spices version. But “chai” was all my husband’s mom needed to hear and she started buying a chai latte mix from Sam’s. I probably don’t have to tell you that chai latte mixes are mostly sugar, dried milk, artificial creamer, spices and other ingredients to keep it from caking together.

I have been to 1 coffee shop, ever, that had a memorable, in-house brewed chai and used it in their chai lattes. I’ve been trying to figure out a reason to take a road trip past that shop for the last few years!

But, it’s so easy to make your own spice mix, to add to brewed tea. And, that’s the recipe I will share with you today. Even though I mix this up in large quantities, start with 1/4 the recipe to see if you like it. You can change quantities or leave out a spice, if there’s one that you don’t like. Some people use ground white pepper, where I prefer black. Keep notes. Once you get your blend just right, you will never have to look again!

Just a reminder, in case you fast forwarded to the recipe, something I always do, this is just the spices to add to your tea or latte!

Basic Masala Chai Spice Blend

1 T. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground cardamom
1 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. finely ground black or white pepper (optional-but it provides warmth)
other optional spices to try:
1/8 t. finely ground aniseseed (optional)
1/8 t. ground fennel seed (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the spices together in a bowl, and store in a sealed container.

2. To use this spice blend in a chai latte, add 1-2 teaspoons of the masala chai spice blend to hot milk with a black tea bag, although you could use green or even white tea. I like to sweeten with a little raw honey, but the choice is yours!

3. You can also brew your choice of black or green tea, add cream or milk, honey/sugar/stevia, and the masala chai spices.

   Special Note: If you don’t like the spices floating in your chai latte, you can add it to a tea strainer or bag, but if you really want to get serious with your masala chai latte, check my recipe for Chai Concentrate, using whole and ground spices, that you brew, strain and store in the refrigerator.