How do you make chai tea at home?

Simmer cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and optional black pepper in water for about five minutes. Add black tea, steep briefly, then add milk and sweetener. Heat gently, strain, and serve.

What is chai tea made of?

The version commonly called chai tea in the United States usually combines black tea, milk, warming spices, and sweetener. Spice combinations vary, but cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper are common.

What kind of tea is best for chai?

Strong black tea works particularly well. Assam is a popular choice because its robust flavor can stand up to milk and spices.

Can you make chai tea with tea bags?

Yes. Tea bags make homemade chai quick and convenient. This recipe uses two black tea bags for two servings.

Is chai tea caffeinated?

Usually, yes. Traditional chai commonly uses black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. The exact amount depends on the tea, quantity, and brewing time.

Can I use almond milk for chai tea?

Yes. Almond milk works, as do oat, soy, and other plant-based milks. Each one changes the flavor and texture slightly.

What's the difference between chai tea and chai tea latte?

Both can contain spiced black tea and milk. A chai tea latte typically emphasizes a creamier milk texture and may use frothed milk or a concentrated chai base.

Can I drink chai tea cold?

Yes. Let freshly prepared chai cool, refrigerate it, and serve it over ice. You can add cold milk for an iced chai latte.

How to Make Chai Tea: Easy Homemade Chai Recipe

Name: How to Make Chai Tea: Easy Homemade Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: South Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup whole milk; 2 black tea bags; 1 small cinnamon stick; 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 4 thin slices fresh ginger; 2 whole cloves; 3 black peppercorns, optional; 1 tablespoon sugar, or more to taste

Description

An easy homemade chai tea made with black tea, milk, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Warm, aromatic and ready in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup water
1 cup whole milk
2 black tea bags
1 small cinnamon stick
4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
4 thin slices fresh ginger
2 whole cloves
3 black peppercorns, optional
1 tablespoon sugar, or more to taste

Instructions

Add the water, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and optional black peppercorns to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the black tea bags and steep for 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the milk and heat gently until hot and steaming.
Stir in the sugar to taste.
Remove the tea bags and strain the chai into two mugs.
Serve warm.

Notes

For stronger spice flavor, simmer the whole spices for a few extra minutes before adding the tea. Avoid steeping the black tea for too long, as it can become bitter. Whole milk gives the chai a creamy texture, but oat, almond, or soy milk can also be used. For an iced chai, allow the prepared tea to cool completely before serving over ice. Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the milk and sweetener used.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: South Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 95
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 55 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: how to make chai tea, chai tea recipe, homemade chai tea, chai tea latte, spiced chai tea