This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links means that sometimes if you click through to a website and register or purchase something, I may get a commission from that sale at no extra cost to you. For more information click here.
Don’t you just love chai tea? Chai is a favorite drink of many, but often it’s bought pre-made from the store. Have you ever thought about making your own chai blend at home? It’s surprisingly easy and only takes 6 ingredients! In this blog post, I’ll share my homemade chai spice recipe, so you can make your own delicious drinks at home. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
What is chai spice made of?
The name chai comes from Hindi چاہی which means “tea”. With its origins in India, chai spice is the combination of spices used to flavor Indian masala chai.
The most common spices used in chai spice mix are cardamom, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper. However, depending on the region or the specific recipe, other spices such as cinnamon, fennel seeds, and anise may also be used.
While chai spice mix can be bought pre-made from most grocery stores, it is also relatively easy to make at home. Once you have your chai spice mix ready, you can use it to add flavor to all sorts of dishes – from curries and stews to desserts and drinks. You can also use this chai spice mix for coffee.
So why not give it a try? You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy the flavor of this chai spice recipe.
What spices are in chai spice?
I made this DIY chai spice recipe using the ingredients my brother-in-law (who is from Gujarat, India) uses to make his traditional chai spices mix:
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Mint
All you have to do is combine all ingredients in an airtight glass jar and shake to mix well. Store till ready for use, or up to 3 months.
What does chai taste like?
Chai spice can be infused with black tea for a delicious and aromatic spiced tea. Although the exact recipe varies depending on the region, chai typically has a rich, earthy flavor with hints of sweetness and spice. Some people also taste notes of citrus or flowery flavors.
Chai tea can be enjoyed with or without milk, and it is often served with a sweetener such as sugar or honey. If you’ve never tried chai before, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Is chai spice good for you?
Chai spice is said to have a number of health benefits. Chai spice is a great source of antioxidants, which it gets from it’s spices.
The spices in chai are also known to be anti-inflammatory. For example, ginger is associated with reduced inflammation, lower risk of colorectal cancer and improved digestion (1).
Nutmeg contains compounds that appear to have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties (2).
Cinnamon is known to have antibacterial and antifungal activity, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (3).
Cardamom has been associated with improvements in HbA1c, insulin level, and triglyceride levels (4) in people living with type 2 diabetes.
Finally, cloves and its main constituents may possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, and anesthetic effects (5).
So if you’re looking for a way to add a little flavor to your food (and possibly improve your health), chai spice is a great option!
How to use chai spice mix
This chai spice blend recipe can also be used to make chai tea, which is made by simmering milk of choice (almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.) and black tea with the spice mix and sweetening it with sugar, honey or maple syrup.
You can also use this homemade chai spice recipe to add to:
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Lattes and coffee beverages
- Baked goods and pies
- Pancake or waffle batter
- Mashed sweet potatoes
This chai tea spice recipe is also perfect for DIY gifts. Batch prepare the mix, divide between pretty glass containers and decorate with a personalized tag! I love these below that come with everything you need.
Homemade Chai Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tsp ground cardamom
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp dried mint
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together.
- Store in an airtight, glass spice jar for up to 3 months.
- Add to smoothies, baked goods, coffee, or brew with tea*
Notes
- 1-2 tsp chai spice mix
- 1 cup brewed black tea
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice (brown sugar, honey, stevia, etc.)
- Add chai spice to hot black tea.
- Mix well until dissolved.
- Add warm milk of choice to your mug and stir to combine.
- Sweeten to taste with sweetener of choice.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try this recipe – it only takes six ingredients and a little bit of time. Once you’ve made your own chai spice blend, you can use it in all sorts of recipes – from coffee to oatmeal to smoothies. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi! I’m Melissa, Registered Dietitian and mother of two dragons. When I’m not talking nutrition you can find me rolling around the floor with my kids, sewing, crafting, cooking or missing the 90s (seriously, music just isn’t the same). Read More…
