Authentic Indian Chai Recipe – Cinnamon, Cardamom & Spice Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Chai Recipe – Cinnamon, Cardamom & Spice Blend

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more comforting than a warm mug of chai? For me, it’s pure nostalgia. I remember my dadi (grandmother) always brewing a pot on the stove, the aroma filling the whole house. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic – a truly authentic Indian chai, brimming with cinnamon, cardamom, and a beautiful blend of spices. It’s easier than you think, and trust me, it’s so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. This chai recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, aromatic, and flavorful cup every single time. It’s incredibly customizable, so you can tweak the spices to your liking. Plus, making your own chai concentrate means you can enjoy a delicious cup in minutes, any time of day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this little bit of heaven:

• 2 cups water (approx. 475ml)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cardamoms, lightly crushed
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (approx. 5g)
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 teaspoon sugar/honey/stevia (or to taste)
• 1 cup milk (approx. 240ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really elevate your chai:

• Whole Spices are Key: Seriously, ditch the pre-ground stuff when you can. Whole spices release their flavor so much better. A quick toast in a dry pan before brewing can also unlock even more aroma.
• Black Tea Choices: Assam, Darjeeling, or a strong English Breakfast tea all work beautifully. Assam will give you a bolder, more robust chai, while Darjeeling is a bit more floral. I usually use a mix!
• Sweetener Preferences: In North India, sugar is traditional. Down South, you’ll find more people using jaggery (gur) for a lovely caramel-like flavor. Honey or stevia are great options if you’re watching your sugar intake.
• Milk Matters: Full-fat milk creates the creamiest chai, but feel free to use whatever you prefer – oat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk all work wonderfully (see variations below!).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, cardamoms, cloves, star anise, black peppercorns, ginger powder, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the spices are infusing the water, creating a wonderfully fragrant base.
3. Add the black tea bags to the simmering spice mixture. Let them steep for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Strain the chai concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. This gets rid of all the spices, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful liquid.
5. Stir in your choice of sweetener while the concentrate is still warm. This helps it dissolve properly.
6. Fill a serving glass with ice cubes.
7. Pour 1 cup (approx. 240ml) of the chai concentrate into the glass.
8. Top with chilled milk and stir gently.
9. Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence!

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overboil: Overboiling can make the chai bitter. Gentle simmering is the way to go.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your taste.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: If you can, grate the nutmeg fresh. It makes a huge difference!

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Chai: Swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk. Oat milk is my go-to – it’s super creamy!
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy chai. She adds an extra peppercorn or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, my family adds a pinch of saffron to the chai for a special touch. For Holi, we sometimes use rose water!
• Strong vs. Mild Chai: For a stronger chai, use more tea bags or steep them for longer. For a milder chai, use less tea or steep for a shorter time.

Serving Suggestions

Chai is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Indian snacks: Samosas, pakoras, or biscuits are classic pairings.
• A good book: Cozy up with a mug of chai and lose yourself in a story.
• Friends and family: Chai is best enjoyed shared!

Storage Instructions

You can make the chai concentrate ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a lifesaver on busy mornings!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of tea is best for chai? Assam is a popular choice for its strong flavor, but Darjeeling or English Breakfast also work well.
• Can I make chai concentrate ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver.
• How do I adjust the sweetness of my chai? Start with a teaspoon of sweetener and add more to taste.
• What’s the difference between masala chai and regular chai? Masala chai means spiced tea. So, any chai with spices added is technically masala chai!
• Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder? Yes! Use about a 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger.

Enjoy your homemade chai! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Indian warmth and comfort to your day.