Chai Spice Mix

There’s nothing better than a hot drink in the morning. If you’re not a fan of coffee, chai tea is a fantastic alternative that’s packed with bold, layered flavors. We love this recipe for chai tea mix because it can be prepared in bulk and stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. It’s easy to prepare too. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and allspice combine to create a warm and nourishing spice blend that’s pleasantly sweet.

Once the spice mix is combined, add 1/4 cup of the blend to a mug and top it with warm milk. The result is a cozy latte that’s layered with spicy, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients for Chai Spice Mix

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• Sugar: Sugar is essential to any chai tea mix. Though this is typically a spice-forward mix, a little bit of sweetness is a fantastic way to balance out the other flavors. We’re using standard white sugar here, but you could also use brown sugar instead for a more caramelized flavor.
• Unsweetened instant tea: Black tea works best for this chai tea mix. Since we’ll be adding additional sugar, be sure to select an unsweetened instant tea to make sure it’s not too cloying.
• Powdered French vanilla nondairy creamer: A bit of nondairy creamer is a great way to thicken and emulsify the chai tea mix. This option is packed with rich, nutty and buttery flavors. The ingredient works overtime as both a thickener and a flavor enhancer.
• Powdered nondairy creamer: Nondairy creamer is a shelf-stable substitute for milk or cream. It’s a great way to add rich, creamy flavor without the need for refrigeration. It’s perfect for this chai tea mix because it adds a touch of dairy flavor but can be stored at room temperature for up to two years.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is sweet and rich with a dark, caramelized flavor. Similar in flavor to caramel or toffee, brown sugar is made with molasses to add a more complex flavor and moist texture.
• Nonfat dry milk powder: Milk powder is essentially fresh milk with the liquid evaporated, and it can be a secret ingredient in many baked goods (like this recipe for homemade bread). When rehydrated, it helps thicken beverages with a creamy, foamy consistency.
• Cinnamon: Sweet, woody and spicy, cinnamon is one of the most versatile spices in a baker’s spice drawer. It makes an easy addition to this tea mix that relies on fully flavored spices like cinnamon.
• Nutmeg: A bit of nutmeg goes a long way in this recipe. It’s a warm and cozy spice that offers hints of clove and citrus, and it’s pleasantly nutty and complex.
• Cardamom: Cardamom is a floral and aromatic spice that adds warm and vibrant flavor to whatever it’s mixed in. It’s peppery and piney with a bit of citrus, which makes a bold addition to this dried tea mix.
• Cloves: Cloves are strong, pungent and spicy, so they add big flavor here. Be sure to opt for ground cloves rather than whole cloves so you don’t have to worry about straining out the bits later on.
• Allspice: This dried berry tastes like a combination of a group of different spices—like cloves, nutmeg, star anise and even black pepper. It’s spicy, comforting and cozy. Just like the cloves, be sure to opt for ground allspice so you don’t have to worry about straining out any bits later.
• White pepper: White peppercorns are typically more mild than black pepper, so it’s great for incorporating a bit of spice without adding too much heat.
• Milk: Once you’re ready to use the prepared spice milk, adding warmed milk is a creamy, rich way to rehydrate the spice mix.

Directions

Step 1: Pulse the ingredients

Laura Scherb for Taste of Home

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, instant tea, French vanilla nondairy creamer, nondairy creamer, brown sugar, milk powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, allspice and white pepper. In a blender, cover and process the tea mixture in batches until it’s powdery.

Step 2: Add milk and stir

Laura Scherb for Taste of Home

To prepare chai tea, place 1/4 cup of the mix in a mug. Add the hot milk, then stir until combined.

Laura Scherb for Taste of Home

Chai Spice Mix Variations

• Make it extra spicy: If you like spicy tea, try adding some cayenne to this spice mix. The sweet flavors in the mix will help balance out the intensity of the cayenne while letting its distinct spice shine through.
• Use it in a savory recipe: This recipe suggests rehydrating your chai tea mix with some milk for a creamy latte, but chai tea mix can be used for so much more, including in savory dishes. To get the most out of your chai tea mix, try using it as a rub for rich meats like short ribs, or use it to cook brown rice or white rice.

How to Store Chai Spice Mix

Once the mix is blended, transfer it to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. A deli container or mason jar is a great choice. This chai tea spice mix should be stored in a cool, dry place.

How long does chai tea mix last? 

Chai tea mix can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Store it in a cool, dry place to ensure that the spices stay fresh and moisture in the air doesn’t impact the dry mix.

Chai Spice Mix Tips

Laura Scherb for Taste of Home

Should I add sugar to this chai tea spice mix?

This spice blend already contains sugar and brown sugar. As a result, it’s fairly sweet on its own. However, if you like your tea extra sweet, you can absolutely add a bit more sugar to your liking when you make a cup.

What else can I use this chai tea mix for?

This chai mix spice is a fantastic seasoning for sweet and savory foods. You can use it to flavor frosting in these chai cupcakes, or as a spice enhancer in these chocolate chai mini loaves. For more, here’s a roundup of our favorite chai-infused recipes.

Can I make this tea with water instead of milk?

If you prefer a lighter, less creamy beverage, you can certainly make this tea with boiling water instead of hot milk. Water allows the pure flavor of the spices to shine through.