How To Brew The Best Cup Of Masala Chai For You

Masala chai is a warm, full-bodied drink you can enjoy hot or iced any time of year. This popular beverage, which originated in India, has evolved into a signature combination of black tea, milk, sugar, and a distinct assortment of spices. By experimenting with different types of tea, various amounts of milk, and a range of spices, you can make a cup of masala chai that perfectly satisfies your own personal taste buds.

Given the fact that masala chai originated more than 4,000 years ago, this distinct beverage can be made many different ways. When formulating a recipe that works for you, take your time to choose your ingredients wisely. Masala chai is defined as tea mixed with spices, so you have many options to consider.

Start with a combination of green cardamom pods, black pepper, and ginger. Green cardamom provides your tea with that quintessential burst of spicy flavor, thanks to its peppery notes. Other common spices include cinnamon, clove, fennel seed, lemongrass, star anise, and nutmeg.

For the best flavor, it pays to grind your own spices to release their flavorful compounds and essential oils. Then, to brew your tea, either boil the spice mixture with the tea and water before adding in the milk, or boil everything all together at once before and after steeping. The type of tea you use as well as your choice of milk equally impacts the flavor of your finished product.

Perfectly spiced masala chai is most commonly prepared with black Indian teas like Assam black tea, which has a robust, nutty flavor, or Darjeeling tea, which has a more delicate herbal taste. While you can use tea bags as well as more conventional blends of tea like English breakfast, loose leaf varieties with Indian origins provide the most authentic flavor.

How much loose-leaf tea to use per cup depends on how strong you like your tea. However, to ensure the flavor stands out without overpowering your selection of spices, use no more than three teaspoons of black tea per cup. While some prefer to boil their spices with water before adding tea, you can boil everything together over high heat for a more concentrated flavor. Just remember to strain the mixture before drinking.

Classic masala chai is typically made with whole milk, but feel free to use your favorite plant-based variety, if so desired. Aim to use equal amounts of water and milk for the perfect amount of creaminess. When it comes to serving, prepared masala chai is best consumed on its own straight from the pot. If you need a little something extra, feel free to give your hot tea a silky, sweet boost with one simple addition, like coconut oil or homemade whipped cream.