Chai Tea

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Dec. 12, 2023
Perfect for cold nights, this masala chai tea recipe incorporates spices that make it so delicious, you'll want to drink it every day. —Kelly Pacowta, Danbury, Connecticut

Ingredients

  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 whole peppercorns
  • 4 tea bags
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
  • 2-1/2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups 2% milk

Directions

  1. Place cloves and peppercorns in a large bowl; with the end of a wooden spoon handle, crush the spices until their aromas are released.
  2. Add the tea bags, sugar, ginger, cinnamon stick and boiling water. Cover; steep for 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the milk.
  3. Strain tea, discarding spices and tea bags. Stir in hot milk. Pour into mugs.

Chai Tea Recipe Tips

How do you serve chai tea?

Try serving a cup of chai alongside an Indian treat (like one of these Diwali foods) or one of these chai-inspired recipes. (Psst—did you know "chai" means "tea?" Learn more about chai here.)

How can I make chai tea vegan?

To make this chai tea vegan, swap out the milk for a dairy-free option. We recommend using either an almond or coconut milk alternative. Using a milk alternative will make this chai recipe a little thinner than when using 2% milk. (Try out these other plant-based recipes, too!)

How do you store chai tea?

We recommend serving chai right after making it. However, if you want to enjoy your masala chai later, you can store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for a few days.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 92 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.