Rose Tea Recipe – Cardamom & Pistachio Indian Masala Chai

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Tea Recipe – Cardamom & Pistachio Indian Masala Chai

Hello friends! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cozy, comforting drink. And let me tell you, this Rose Tea is it. It’s a beautiful blend of fragrant rose, warming cardamom, and the gentle base of green tea – a little twist on the traditional masala chai that I absolutely adore. I first made this for a friend visiting from out of town, and she couldn’t get enough! It’s become a bit of a signature drink whenever I want to impress (or just treat myself!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cup of tea. It’s a sensory experience! The floral notes of rose perfectly complement the spice of cardamom, and the pistachios add a lovely bit of crunch and richness. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s a wonderful way to unwind after a long day. Plus, it’s a beautiful, fragrant addition to any gathering. Honestly, it feels like a warm hug in a mug.

Ingredients

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

• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 tsp green tea leaves
• A big pinch of baking soda
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• 200ml milk (any kind works!)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• A drop of rose essence or 1 tsp rose water
• 1 tsp chopped pistachios for garnish

Ingredient Notes

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

• Green Tea: I love using green tea as the base because it has a delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower the rose and cardamom. It also gives the tea a lovely, light color.
• Cardamom: This spice is a staple in Indian kitchens for a reason! It adds a warm, aromatic flavor that’s just divine. A little goes a long way, so start with a pinch and adjust to your liking.
• Rose Essence/Water: This is where the magic happens! Rose adds such a beautiful floral aroma and flavor. I prefer rose essence for a more concentrated flavor, but rose water works beautifully too.
• Pistachios: These aren’t just for garnish! They add a lovely nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Plus, they look so pretty sprinkled on top. Feel free to use other nuts like almonds if you prefer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, combine the water and green tea leaves in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the water to reduce by about half – this concentrates the tea flavor.
2. Now, for a little bit of kitchen magic! Add the baking soda and cardamom powder. Don’t worry, the baking soda isn’t for flavor – it helps create that lovely frothy texture. Stir everything together, and you’ll notice the mixture starts to foam and turn a reddish-brown color. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the milk, salt, and sugar. Simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tea is frothy and heated through. Don’t let it boil!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is when you add the rose essence or rose water. Just a drop of essence, or a teaspoon of rose water, is enough to infuse the tea with that beautiful floral aroma.
5. Finally, strain the tea into your favorite cup. Garnish with those chopped pistachios, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

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

• Don’t over-boil the tea! This can make it bitter.
• Adjust the sugar to your liking. I like mine slightly sweet, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.
• For a richer flavor, use whole milk. But any kind of milk works – even plant-based options!
• The baking soda is key for that frothy texture, so don’t skip it.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you love a bit more spice, add a tiny pinch of ground ginger or a clove along with the cardamom.
• Sweetness: My friend, Priya, always adds a little honey instead of sugar – she swears it enhances the floral notes.
• Vegan: Easily make this vegan by using your favorite plant-based milk, like almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Festival Adaptations: This tea is perfect for celebrations! Serve it warm during Diwali or weddings for a special touch. My family always has a pot brewing during festive gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Traditional Indian snacks like biscuits or namak pare.
• A slice of cake or a few cookies.
• Just a quiet moment to yourself!

Storage Instructions

While this tea is best enjoyed fresh, you can make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavor might mellow slightly, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this tea better hot or cold? Definitely hot! The warmth really brings out the flavors of the rose and cardamom. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try it iced – just add some ice cubes and a little extra rose water.
• Can I use rose syrup instead of rose essence/water? You can, but be careful! Rose syrup is much sweeter, so you’ll need to reduce the amount of sugar you add. Start with a teaspoon of rose syrup and taste as you go.
• What type of green tea works best for this recipe? Sencha or Gunpowder green tea are both excellent choices. They have a nice, clean flavor that won’t compete with the other ingredients.
• Can I make a larger batch of this tea and store it? Yes, you can! Just double or triple the recipe and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• What are the health benefits of rose tea with cardamom? Both rose and cardamom have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, green tea is known for its health benefits too! It’s a delicious and healthy way to boost your well-being.