Homemade Chai

There’s nothing quite like steeping whole spices and tea leaves to create an authentic pot of fragrant, spicy and sweet homemade chai.

I have enjoyed a lot of powdered chai in coffee shops and have brewed myself a few times using chai flavored tea bags and mixes. A word of warning here, once you’ve made a real chai, you’ll never be satisfied with any other version.

easy chai

I had heard about my brother-in-law’s homemade chai for a few years and finally got to sample the chai at my brother-in-law’s house.

As I recall, this is the same sister and her husband who introduced me to Café Con Leche in Spain after visiting Spain about 15 years ago. I tend to believe them when they say they are delicious.

Having had the chance to make Jason’s recipe myself, it definitely does not disappoint. I’ve been making 2-3 batches of this easy chai over the years and love to keep a jar or two in the fridge.

A piping hot chai (or iced chai latte) accompanied by an almond bar is the afternoon snack that no one refuses.

chai ingredients

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

• cardamom pods
• Whole clove
• cinnamon stick
• ginger
• black peppercorns
• bay leaves
• loose black tea leaves
• water
• 50/50
• light brown sugar or honey

chai recipe

Place cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns and bay leaves in medium saucepan.

Add water and bring to a boil. Let this boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let soak for 10 minutes.

Add tea leaves and bring to a boil again. (I like to use English breakfast tea when making chai.) Reduce heat and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Add half and half and sugar. Stir over low heat until steam appears, about 1 minute.

Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a teapot, mug, or glass. Chai can be served hot or cold. Chill it and add ice for a refreshing taste.

Pour the remaining chai mixture into a small jar and store in the refrigerator. Serve reheated or chilled, depending on your preference.

This recipe doubles up and is a great way to make and store morning chai for days in just a few minutes on the stove or in the microwave.

Add a cup of espresso in the morning and you have a great dirty chai. If coffee is your thing, try generously adding the chai mixture to your next cup.

homemade chai latte

Want to know how to turn this chai recipe into a perfectly frothy warm or iced latte? (It’s actually a lot easier than that because you don’t have to make the pie crust.)

Whisk the milk or half and half before pouring into the steeped chai concentrate.used this whisk I’ve been using it every day for nearly 10 years to make my morning coffee, and it’s perfect for chai lattes.

For a better homemade drink than a coffee shop, try the popular London Fog or Iced Brown Sugar Espresso.

Italian cream liqueur is a holiday favorite that I often make and gift to friends. Peppermint Hot Chocolate goes great with cream liqueur.

Vanilla coffee syrup can be made at home with just a few common ingredients, without preservatives or artificial flavors. Stirring the syrup takes less than 5 minutes and tastes better than any syrup on the market.

{Original publication date 20 January 2013 – recipe notes and photos updated 22 June 2023}