The Best Masala Chai Recipe - Make It Like a Pro
Why Make Masala Chai at Home?
Masala chai made from scratch is richer, warmer, and more satisfying than anything you'll get from a concentrate or café. With homemade chai:
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You control the spice strength
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You choose your tea and milk
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You skip the artificial ingredients
Looking for a shortcut? Try our Uber Spice Chai — just brew and add sweetener!
What You'll Need
Ingredients (Makes 2 cups):
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2 cups water
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6 green cardamom pods (cracked)
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1 cinnamon stick
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1-inch fresh ginger, sliced thin
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5 whole cloves
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5 black peppercorns
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2 tsp Assam loose leaf black tea → Shop Assam Tea
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1 cup whole milk (or oat, soy, almond, coconut)
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1–2 tsp sugar, honey, or maple syrup (to taste)
Equipment:
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Medium saucepan
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Spoon or ladle
Step-by-Step: How to Make Masala Chai
1. Toast the Spices (Optional, but Flavorful)
Add cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns to a dry saucepan. Toast over low heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Simmer Spices & Ginger in Water
Add 2 cups water and the sliced ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 7–10 minutes.
3. Add Tea & Steep
Remove from heat. Add loose leaf Assam tea. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.
4. Add Milk & Sweetener
Pour in 1 cup milk and your chosen sweetener. Return to heat and bring to a gentle simmer for 30 seconds.
5. Strain & Serve
Strain into mugs. Serve hot. Top with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Optional Variations
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Iced Chai: Let cool and serve over ice. Great with oat milk!
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Extra Creamy: Use a higher milk-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:1)
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Frothy Chai Latte: Froth the milk separately and pour over the brewed chai
Tips for the Perfect Cup
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Use fresh, whole spices for maximum flavor
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Simmer longer for bolder spice
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Adjust sweetness at the end
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For stronger tea, steep longer or use more leaves
There’s nothing like a hot mug of real masala chai. With the right ingredients and a few easy steps, you can brew a cup that’s flavorful, fragrant, and deeply comforting.