Ginger Chai Recipe – Authentic Indian Spiced Tea

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ginger Chai Recipe – Authentic Indian Spiced Tea

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more comforting than a warm mug of chai? For me, it’s a hug in a cup, and this Ginger Chai recipe is extra special. I first started making this when I moved away from home and desperately missed my grandmother’s chai. It’s taken a few tries to get it just right, but I think I’ve finally cracked the code! It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ginger Chai isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s warming, subtly spicy, and incredibly aromatic. Plus, it’s super easy to make – perfect for a quick morning boost or a cozy evening treat. Honestly, once you try making it at home, you’ll ditch the tea bags for good! It’s also wonderfully customizable, so you can tweak it to exactly how you like it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• ½ cup water (approx. 120ml)
• 1 tsp tea leaves
• 2 small pieces of fresh ginger
• Milk, to taste (approx. ½ – 1 cup / 120-240ml)
• Sugar, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Tea Leaves: Traditionally, strong black tea like Assam or CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) is used for chai. These give it that robust flavor and beautiful color. You can find these at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Milk: This is where things get fun! In North India, full-fat milk is the go-to for a rich, creamy chai. Down South, you’ll often find a lighter touch with milk. Feel free to use whatever you prefer – whole milk, 2%, or even skim milk all work.
• Fresh Ginger: Seriously, don’t skimp on the fresh ginger! It adds a lovely warmth and a little zing. I like to peel it and slice it thinly, but you can also grate it if you prefer. The benefits of fresh ginger are amazing too – it’s great for digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, pour ½ cup (120ml) of water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, add 1 tsp of your favorite tea leaves and 2 small pieces of freshly sliced ginger.
3. Now, let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the ginger and tea flavors really start to infuse into the water. You’ll notice the color deepening, and the aroma will fill your kitchen!
4. Pour in hot milk, anywhere from ½ to 1 cup (120-240ml) depending on how milky you like your chai. Stir well to combine.
5. Add sugar to taste and stir until it’s completely dissolved. I usually start with a teaspoon and add more if needed.
6. Finally, strain the chai into a cup using a fine-mesh strainer. This gets rid of the tea leaves and ginger pieces, leaving you with a smooth, delicious brew.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy! Seriously, the aroma is best when it’s hot.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overboil the tea! Simmering is key to extracting the flavor without making it bitter.
• Adjust the ginger to your liking. If you love a strong ginger kick, add a bit more!
• For a richer flavor, you can lightly crush the ginger before adding it to the water.
• Warming the milk before adding it to the tea helps maintain the temperature and prevents the chai from cooling down too quickly.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ways to customize your Ginger Chai:

• Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of cardamom, a clove, or a tiny piece of cinnamon stick while simmering for extra warmth.
• Vegan Chai: Swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk! Almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk all work beautifully. My friend swears by oat milk for the creamiest vegan chai.
• Sweetener Options: Honey, maple syrup, or jaggery (traditional Indian unrefined sugar) are all great alternatives to refined sugar.
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali or Holi, I love adding a pinch of saffron to my chai for a festive touch! It gives it a beautiful color and a subtle floral aroma.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Traditional Indian biscuits (like Parle-G!)
• Samosas or pakoras
• A good book and a cozy blanket

Storage Instructions

Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be aware that the flavor may change slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is it better to use tea bags or loose leaf tea? Loose leaf tea always wins, in my opinion! It has more flavor and aroma. But tea bags are fine in a pinch.
• Can I make ginger chai ahead of time? You can brew the tea and ginger concentrate ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add hot milk and sugar when you’re ready to drink it.
• What kind of milk is traditionally used in ginger chai? Full-fat milk is most common, but you can use any milk you like!
• How can I adjust the strength of the chai? Use more or less tea leaves. Start with 1 tsp and adjust to your preference.
• Can I add other spices to my ginger chai? Absolutely! Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg are all popular additions.