Rose & Spice Green Tea Recipe – Authentic Indian Masala Chai Fusion

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose & Spice Green Tea Recipe – Authentic Indian Masala Chai Fusion

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a little something special to brighten your day. I stumbled upon this Rose & Spice Green Tea a few years ago, and it’s become my go-to when I need a moment of calm and a burst of flavour. It’s a beautiful fusion of traditional Indian Masala Chai spices with the freshness of green tea and the delicate aroma of roses. Trust me, it’s amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cup of tea! It’s a fragrant, subtly sweet, and incredibly soothing drink. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon, a refreshing pick-me-up, or even as a unique offering to guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – ready in under 10 minutes! You’ll love how the familiar warmth of chai spices dances with the delicate floral notes of rose and the gentle energy of green tea.

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups water (approx. 475ml)
• 2 inches cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 5-6 dried rose petals
• 2 tablespoons sugar (approx. 25g) – adjust to your liking!
• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves (approx. 2g)
• 10-12 saffron strands
• 4-5 sliced almonds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe truly special.

• Rose Petals: Don’t skimp on the quality here. Look for culinary-grade dried rose petals – they have the best flavour and aroma. I usually find mine at spice shops or online.
• Saffron: A little goes a long way! Saffron adds a beautiful colour and a subtle, luxurious flavour. It’s worth the splurge.
• Green Tea & Masala Chai: The combination is key. The green tea provides a lighter base than traditional black tea, letting the spices and rose really shine. We’re borrowing the best of both worlds here! I prefer a good quality Sencha or Darjeeling for this.
• Spices: Freshly crushing the cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves really wakes up their flavours. A mortar and pestle is ideal, but you can also use the back of a spoon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s brew some tea!

1. First, lightly crush your cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves using a mortar and pestle. This releases all those wonderful aromas.
2. In a saucepan, combine the water, crushed spices, dried rose petals, and sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. You don’t want a rolling boil, just a nice simmer.
3. Once it’s simmering, turn off the heat. Add your green tea leaves and cover the saucepan. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
4. Now, strain the tea into your favourite cups.
5. Finally, add a few saffron strands and a sprinkle of sliced almonds to each serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-steep the green tea! It can become bitter. 2-3 minutes is perfect.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste. I like mine slightly sweet, but feel free to add more or less.
• Warm your cups beforehand for a truly cozy experience.
• Use filtered water for the best flavour.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the sugar for maple syrup, agave, or your favourite vegan sweetener.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the cloves to 1.
  • Medium: Stick to the recipe as is.
  • Strong: Add a tiny pinch of black peppercorns along with the other spices. My grandmother always added a little pepper to her chai!
• Festival Adaptations: This tea is perfect for celebrations. During Holi, it’s a refreshing change from the richer, heavier sweets. For Diwali, it’s a lovely palate cleanser after all the delicious food.

Iced Rose & Spice Green Tea Variation

Want something cool and refreshing? Let the brewed tea cool completely, then pour it over ice. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing! My friend, Priya, loves adding a splash of rose water to her iced version – it really intensifies the floral flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Light biscuits or cookies
• A slice of fruit cake
• A small plate of namkeen (Indian savoury snacks)

Storage Instructions

This tea is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store any leftover brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavour might mellow slightly, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

What is the origin of adding spices to tea in India?

Adding spices to tea in India dates back centuries! It started as a way to make black tea more palatable and has evolved into a beloved tradition. It’s believed that Ayurvedic principles influenced the use of spices for their health benefits.

Can I use rose water instead of dried rose petals?

You can! Use about 1 teaspoon of rose water per cup of tea. Add it after you’ve strained the tea, as heating rose water can diminish its flavour.

What type of green tea works best in this recipe?

Sencha and Darjeeling are excellent choices. They have a delicate flavour that complements the spices and rose. Avoid overly strong or smoky green teas.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or agave as alternatives.

Can this tea be made ahead of time?

You can brew the spiced rose tea base (steps 1-3) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just add the green tea leaves and saffron when you’re ready to serve.