Craving a warm, comforting cup of tea? This classic Masala Chai Recipe blends black tea, boiled milk, and aromatic spices to create the ultimate cozy drink. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a little pick-me-up, this recipe will show you how to make the perfect spiced tea at home!
The name “masala” means spices, and “chai” means tea—a comforting blend of black tea and boiled milk infused with warm, aromatic spices. For me, Masala Chai is like a hug in a cup, especially during these chilly Canadian winters. Though it originated in India, it has become a beloved drink all over the world.
A cup of masala chai has a way of making everything feel a little better. I love how the bold black tea, combined with spices and a touch of sweetness warms you up and makes you feel relaxed. It’s something I find myself craving often.
Worried about the prep time? You can always prepare the ginger ahead of time or use my homemade chai masala powder to make things quicker—I promise, it’s totally worth it!
We South Asians enjoy chai throughout the day—whether it’s with breakfast, lunch, or paired with snacks like samosas or biscuits (cookies) on a rainy afternoon. If you love spiced tea as much as I do, let’s dive into making the perfect cup of Masala Chai!
Ingredients and Notes
*Scroll down for the recipe card with a full ingredient list and measurements.
- Tea – You can use either loose tea or tea bags. I might be biased, but if you can find Ceylon tea, it’s the best option for a bold, flavorful chai. I prefer using tea bags because they don’t leave behind dregs.
- Spices – My go-to spices are ginger, peppercorns, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks, but you can customize your chai by adding your favorite spices.
- Milk – For the best results, use whole milk—it gives the chai a rich and creamy taste, especially since it’s diluted with water during brewing. Skim milk or plant-based alternatives will work too, but they tend to make a lighter, less creamy tea.
How to Make Masala Chai
*Scroll down for the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
Prep the ginger: Peel the ginger and cut into slices.
Crush the spices: Add the cardamom, cloves, peppercorn and cinnamon to the mortar and pound them. Next, crush the ginger slices lightly. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, bruise the ginger with the knife.
Boil the tea: Add the spices and water to a pan and start it on high heat. Next, add the loose tea or tea bags to the water and let it come to a boil.
Add milk and sweetener: Pour in the milk and let it come to a boil on high. Reduce the heat and boil until you’re happy with the color of the tea—the longer it boils, the more intense the tea and spices will taste.
I boil it for about 5 minutes, then add sugar and stir until it dissolves. If you prefer, you can skip this step and let everyone sweeten their own cup after serving with their favorite sweetener.
Enjoy: Your masala chai is ready! Serve it in mugs or tea cups, or pour it into a big flask to keep it warm and enjoy later.
Tip for Making the Perfect Masala Chai
Simmering the tea gently helps blend the flavors without making it too bitter. Don’t rush—good chai takes a little patience!
More Comforting Drinks You’ll Love:
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Recipe
Best Masala Chai Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 inch ginger
- ½ tsp cardamom pods
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp peppercorns
- 2 inch cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp loose tea or 5 tea bags
- 2 ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Peel the ginger and cut into slices.Add the cardamom, cloves, peppercorn and cinnamon to the mortar and pound them. Next, crush the ginger slices lightly. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, bruise the ginger with the knife.
- Add the spices and water to a pan and start it on high heat. Next, add the loose tea or tea bags to the water and let it come to a boil.
- Pour in the milk and let it come to a boil on medium heat. Reduce the heat and boil until you’re happy with the color of the tea about 5 minutes. The more you boil the more intense the tea and spices will taste.
- Add sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Your masala chai is ready. Serve it in mugs or tea cups, or pour it into a big flask to keep it warm and enjoy later.
Notes
- Adjust the spice levels based on your preference. Add more or less ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, or sweetener to create a chai that suits your taste.
Nutrition
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