Homemade Chai Tea

I love all types of tea, including green tea, oolong, chamomile, nettle, calendula, mint, and chai. There are so many delicious teas to enjoy. I find warm teas particularly appealing during the fall and winter seasons. There's nothing quite like a delightful hot and steamy beverage to warm up the body and calm the mind. During the warmer months, I chill my teas and sip on them all day long.

Chai: A Timeless Favorite

Homemade chai is an all-time favorite tea of mine and one that the entire Zeeta team enjoys. We drink it year-round, hot during the cooler seasons and chilled when it gets warmer. It's delicious and comforting, regardless of the temperature. Right now, as the weather cools, hot chai is the way to go! We are fortunate that not only does tea taste delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Some of these health benefits of chai are listed at the bottom of this post, serving as extra inspiration for you to try this recipe.

Homemade Chai from Scratch

Our Favorite Chai Recipe

Here it is—our cherished chai recipe! Please make it at home and let us know what you think.

Step 1

Place the following ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a soft boil for 20 minutes:

• 4 cups water

• 10-12 cardamom pods

• 1-2 star anise "stars"

• 1 clove

• 2 teaspoons dried ginger or 1 one-inch piece of fresh ginger root

• 1.5 tablespoons dried cinnamon chips/flakes or 2 sweet cinnamon sticks

  
  

Step 2

After the 20 minutes of soft boiling, add:

• 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (Darjeeling or oolong varieties work well) and boil for an additional 5 minutes before adding your milk of choice.

• 2.5 cups milk (we prefer vanilla soy or almond milk)

  
  

Cardamom

Step 3

Allow the ingredients to boil together. DO NOT STIR. You’ll see it begin to mix on its own as it boils. Be cautious with this step; boiling over can happen suddenly.

Step 4

Once everything has boiled together, turn off the heat and add your preferred sweetener. We enjoy agave sweetener but have also used vanilla stevia, as well as white and brown sugar, with great success. Enjoy your chai warm or cold!

The Health Benefits of Chai

Chai contains a potent blend of tea, herbs, and spices. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help to preserve health and enhance peace of mind. They improve digestion, boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and possess antioxidant properties. Chai is also thought to exhibit antibacterial and anti-cancer qualities. Here are some standout ingredients:

Ginger

Ginger is a vital root commonly used in Eastern medicine. It aids digestion, improves circulation, and enhances the immune system. It also alleviates arthritis pain by reducing inflammation.

Cardamom

Cardamom is found in nearly every Tibetan medicinal practice. It supports the immune system, detoxifies the body, and enhances circulation. Additionally, it may relieve respiratory allergies.

Clove

Clove is excellent for alleviating coughs and cold symptoms. It is also beneficial for soothing gastric upset.

Enjoying Tea Seasons

As we approach the fall and winter seasons, it's the perfect time to indulge in the great taste and many benefits of all your favorite teas. Whether you prefer them warm or cold, there's a tea suitable for every occasion.

Cheers to your health and happiness!

Christine and the Zeeta Team

Discover more about chai's benefits here and elevate your tea experience this season!