There’s nothing quite like the first sip of a steaming cup of Masala Tea (or Chai Masala) on a cold morning or after a long, busy day.
It’s aromatic, bold, and packed with the warmth of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. This beloved Indian beverage has earned its spot as the ultimate comfort drink, enjoyed by millions across the world.
While there are many ways to brew a cup of tea, Masala Tea stands out due to its unique blend of spices that create a tantalizing fusion of flavors. It’s the perfect balance of strong tea, creamy milk, and warming spices, making it an energizing yet soothing drink at the same time.
Whether you like it extra spicy or mild, masala tea can be customized to suit your taste. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Let’s get brewing!
Ingredients for Masala Tea (Serves 2-3)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups full-fat milk (you can use any milk of your choice — dairy, almond, or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1-2 teaspoons tea masala (spice mix, or adjust to taste)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or smashed
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Honey or jaggery (optional, for natural sweetness)
For the Tea Masala (Chai Masala) Powder:
- 2 tablespoons green cardamom seeds (remove the pods)
- 1-inch piece of cinnamon bark
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for added sweetness)
How to Make Masala Tea: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Tea Masala Powder (Optional):
While you can buy pre-made chai masala powder from any Indian grocery store, making your own masala mix at home allows you to customize the flavor profile. If you want to make your own spice mix, combine the ingredients listed above (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and fennel) in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind the spices to a fine powder and store it in an airtight container. You only need a teaspoon or two of this mix per cup of tea, so it’ll last a while.
2. Boil Water and Spices:
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the smashed ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns (if using). Let the water boil for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spices to release their full aroma.
3. Add Tea Leaves:
Once the spices have steeped in the boiling water, add the loose black tea leaves (or tea bags). Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The tea leaves will infuse the water with a rich, dark color and strong flavor. If you like your tea stronger, you can let it simmer for a little longer.
4. Add Milk and Sweetener:
Now, add 2 cups of milk to the spiced tea and stir to combine. Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Add sugar, jaggery, or honey to taste. Stir until dissolved. The milk gives the tea its creamy texture, while the sugar adds sweetness that balances the heat of the spices.
5. Strain and Serve:
Once the tea has reached the desired strength and the flavors have melded together, remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer to catch the spices and tea leaves.
Serve your homemade masala tea hot with a little extra sweetness, if desired, and enjoy the cozy warmth it provides.
A Small Note About Masala Tea:
Masala Tea, or Chai, is much more than just a drink in India — it’s a ritual. It’s a way to bring people together, a comforting beverage shared between friends, family, and colleagues. Whether it’s enjoyed in the morning as a wake-up drink, in the afternoon with snacks, or in the evening to wind down, Masala Tea has an undeniable presence in daily life.
