Homemade Chai (Tea)
As the seasons shift and cooler weather begins to settle in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm cup of chai. Homemade chai has a way of slowing things down - it’s aromatic, cozy, and grounding, perfect for crisp mornings or relaxing evenings. When you make it yourself, you get to create the exact balance of flavors you love, bold and spicy, gently sweet, earthy and grounding, or somewhere in between. Unlike pre-made mixes that often fall flat, fresh chai spices bring richness, depth, and a touch of ritual to your cup.
The Secret To Good Chai Is In The Spice Blend Or Masala
The true magic of chai lies in its spices, each one carrying centuries of tradition and a long history of use in kitchens and wellness practices around the world. Cinnamon is a star player, bringing not only its natural sweetness but also a reputation for supporting circulation and healthy blood sugar.
Cloves, with their bold, almost floral bite, are often used for oral health and digestion, lending both flavor and a sense of warmth. Black pepper adds a gentle heat, and beyond taste, it’s known for enhancing nutrient absorption and supporting metabolism. Turmeric, with its vibrant golden hue, has been cherished for its role in supporting overall vitality, making it as restorative as it is beautiful.
Ginger rounds out the mix, often turned to for digestive support, nausea relief, and supporting a healthy immune system. When combined, these spices don’t just taste good, they create a blend that feels both nourishing and uplifting.
More Than Just A Cup Of Tea
There’s something satisfying about knowing your chai isn’t just a drink, but a blend layered with purpose and care. Each cup offers the chance to enjoy flavors that are warming, grounding, and naturally supportive to the body. And the best part? Making chai from scratch is wonderfully simple.
With just a few whole spices, black tea, milk, and a touch of sweetener, you can create something that feels indulgent yet balanced. You can make it creamy with extra milk, bold with more spice, or light and fragrant, depending on your mood. Once you’ve had the experience of brewing your own, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.
How To Make Your Own Chai At Home
This recipe comes together easily by combining your spices into a blend you can use again and again. I like to gather black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves, green and black cardamom pods, powdered ginger, and turmeric, then grind them in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender until they become a fine powder.
If you only have the powdered versions, those work just as well. It’s all about making it accessible. Once blended, store the chai spice mix in a glass jar or sealed container, and it will be ready whenever you are.
When it’s tea time, simply add one tablespoon of your chai spice mix and one tablespoon of black tea to a steeper, then let it infuse in hot water for a few minutes until fully steeped.
Finish with a splash of milk, a drizzle of honey, or your favourite alternative sweetener, and sip slowly.
Recipe: Homemade Chai Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- About 10 cinnamon sticks broken into pieces
- 1 Tbsp green cardamom pods
- 3 Black cardamom pods
- 1 Tbsp cloves
- 2 Tbsp ground ginger
- 2 Tsp ground turmeric
Instructions:
Add all spices into a coffee grinder or high-speed blender. Blend to create a fine powder and store in a glass jar. When ready to make tea, add one tablespoon of each, chai powder and black tea, to a tea steeper and steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Add milk or sugar based on your preference. Enjoy!
*This article is intended for informational purposes. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.