Spiced Masala Chai Cocoa Recipe – Cinnamon Cardamom Tea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spiced Masala Chai Cocoa Recipe – Cinnamon Cardamom Tea

Hello friends! If you’re anything like me, you love a warm, comforting drink, especially when the weather turns a little chilly. I stumbled upon this Spiced Masala Chai Cocoa a few winters ago, and it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s the perfect hug in a mug – a beautiful blend of familiar masala chai spices with the rich, comforting flavor of cocoa. Trust me, you need this in your life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average hot cocoa, and it’s definitely not your typical masala chai. It’s a delightful fusion! The warm spices beautifully complement the chocolate, creating a drink that’s both comforting and a little bit exotic. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is unbelievably satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on a cold day or simply treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients

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

• ½ cup milk (about 120ml)
• ½ cup water (about 120ml)
• A dash of cinnamon powder (about ¼ tsp)
• A dash of cardamom powder (about ¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp tea powder
• ½ tsp cocoa powder
• Sweetener (honey/sugar) to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is pretty flexible, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The Spice Blend: The cinnamon and cardamom are the stars here, giving that classic masala chai warmth. Don’t be shy with them – a good dash makes all the difference!
• Tea Powder: I usually use a strong black tea like Assam for a robust flavor. But you can experiment! Darjeeling will give a more floral note, while a blend will offer a balanced taste.
• Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a smoother, less acidic flavor. But regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine too.
• Sweetener: Honey is my personal preference – it adds a lovely floral sweetness that complements the spices. But sugar, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute will work beautifully. Adjust to your liking!

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, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, tea powder, and cocoa powder.
2. Now, place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This is important to make sure the cocoa powder dissolves completely – nobody likes gritty cocoa!
3. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Take the saucepan off the heat and strain the tea into your favorite mug. This removes the tea leaves and any undissolved cocoa.
5. Finally, stir in your preferred sweetener to taste. I usually add a teaspoon of honey, but feel free to adjust it to your liking.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! Seriously, this is best enjoyed hot.

Expert Tips

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

• Don’t overboil the mixture, or it can become bitter.
• Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching.
• If you like a stronger tea flavor, add a little more tea powder.
• For a creamier cocoa chai, use full-fat milk.

Variations

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

• Vegan Option: Easily make this vegan by swapping the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative – almond, soy, or oat milk all work wonderfully!
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves a bit more kick, so she adds a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cloves. Feel free to experiment!
• Sweetener Alternatives: Dates are a great natural sweetener. Blend a couple of dates with the milk before heating for a delicious, healthy twist.
• Iced Cocoa Chai Adaptation: Let the brewed chai cool completely, then pour it over ice. It’s a refreshing treat on a warm day!

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Masala Chai Cocoa is perfect on its own, but it’s also lovely with a side of… well, anything cozy! A good book, a warm blanket, and maybe a few biscuits are all you need.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be aware that the flavors may mellow slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for a cold winter morning? Absolutely! It’s perfect for a cold winter morning (or any chilly day, really!).
• Can I use different types of tea powder, like Assam or Darjeeling? Yes, definitely! Experiment to find your favorite.
• What is the best way to adjust the sweetness level? Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more to taste.
• Can I make a larger batch of this cocoa chai and store it? You can, but the flavor is best when it’s freshly made.
• What are the health benefits of cinnamon and cardamom in this drink? Both cinnamon and cardamom are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They’re not just delicious, they’re good for you too!

Enjoy your cozy cup of Spiced Masala Chai Cocoa! I hope it brings a little warmth and happiness to your day. Let me know in the comments what you think!