Authentic Indian Masala Chai Coffee Recipe – Quick & Easy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Masala Chai Coffee Recipe – Quick & Easy

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of chai. But sometimes, you crave a little extra kick, right? Well, let me share my go-to recipe for Masala Chai Coffee – it’s the perfect blend of comforting chai and energizing coffee. I first stumbled upon this delightful combination when a friend visiting from South India made it for me, and I’ve been hooked ever since! It’s seriously the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Masala Chai Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s warm, fragrant, and gives you that lovely cozy feeling. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for a quick morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re a fan of both chai and coffee, you absolutely need to try this. It’s a little bit different, a little bit special, and totally delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a mug of this magic:

• ½ cup milk (about 120ml)
• ½ cup water (about 120ml)
• 1 heaped tsp black tea (about 3-4 grams) – I prefer Assam or a strong CTC blend
• 1 tbsp sugar (about 15 grams) – adjust to your liking!
• ⅓ tsp coffee powder (Nescafe Gold is my go-to, about 1.5 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! This recipe is all about balance.

• The Tea & Coffee Blend: The combination of black tea and instant coffee is what makes this drink unique. The tea provides that familiar chai warmth, while the coffee adds a lovely energy boost.
• Black Tea: I usually use a strong black tea like Assam or a CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) blend. These give a robust flavor that stands up well to the coffee. You can experiment with other black teas, but a stronger brew works best.
• Sugar Preferences: In India, we often adjust sweetness to our preference. Some like it super sweet, others prefer just a hint. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking – start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. Jaggery (gur) is also a fantastic, traditional alternative!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, and black tea. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes – about 3-5 minutes – until the tea develops a lovely light brown color. This is where the chai flavor really comes through.
3. Now, add the sugar and coffee powder directly into your serving mug. This helps everything dissolve nicely.
4. Pour about half of the brewed tea mixture into the mug with the sugar and coffee. Give it a good stir until the sugar and coffee are completely dissolved. No one wants grainy coffee!
5. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and blend well with the remaining tea. This ensures everything is perfectly combined.
6. Finally, pour the final mixture back into your mug and serve hot. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t Overboil: Overboiling the tea can make it bitter. Simmering gently is key.
• Stir Well: Really make sure the sugar and coffee dissolve completely.
• Adjust to Taste: This recipe is a starting point. Feel free to adjust the tea, coffee, and sugar to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you love a spicier chai, add a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon to the saucepan while simmering the tea. My grandmother always added a tiny piece of clove!
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
• Regional Adaptations – South Indian Filter Coffee Influence: For a South Indian twist, use a decoction of filter coffee instead of instant coffee. It adds a beautiful, aromatic depth.
• Festival Adaptations: This is a lovely drink to serve during celebrations like Diwali or Holi. You can even garnish it with a sprinkle of cardamom powder for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Masala Chai Coffee is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Biscuits: A classic pairing!
• Indian Snacks: Samosas, pakoras, or mathri are perfect companions.
• A Good Book: Honestly, it’s just perfect for cozying up with a good book.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed fresh! However, if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It might lose a little of its flavor, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe different from regular Masala Chai? Yes! Traditional Masala Chai doesn’t include coffee. This recipe is a fusion of both, giving you a unique flavor profile.
• Can I use a different brand of instant coffee? Absolutely! While I love Nescafe Gold, any instant coffee will work. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can brew the tea mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just add the coffee and sugar when you’re ready to drink.
• What type of milk is best for this recipe? You can use any type of milk you prefer – whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well. Whole milk will give you a richer, creamier texture.
• How can I adjust the strength of the tea and coffee? For a stronger tea flavor, use more tea leaves or simmer for a longer time. For a stronger coffee flavor, add more coffee powder.

Enjoy your delicious cup of Masala Chai Coffee! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy brewing!