Keen to up your hot beverage game? Whether you’re looking to replace coffee, or just interested in trying something new, chai, the traditional tea of India, is a delicious, calming and fragrant tea that will hit the spot every time. 

But how do you brew the perfect cup if you’re new to drinking chai? Here are some tips to help you fall in love and make it your drink of choice, no matter the time of day. 

The history of chai

Chai, or Masala chai, is a mix of black tea and aromatic spices. The word translates to “tea” in Hindi and has been brewed in India for thousands of years. 

Legend dates its origins back to a king who demanded a spiced drink for use in Ayurveda, or traditional healing practices. Initially made solely from spices, black tea leaves, milk and sugar were later additions popularised in the mid-19th Century. In the 21st Century, chai is still very much part of the daily rhythm of life in India – the country consumes more than 800,000 tonnes of tea yearly!

Chai: a spice market in a cup

Chai is commonly made using Darjeeling or Assam black teas as a base. Cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and black peppercorns – all readily available in India – are blended in to give the chai its aromatic properties. Traditionally, each region developed its own nuanced infusion, and these also varied depending on the seasons. In Mumbai, there is a variant called “cutting chai” that is famously so strong it is served only in half-glasses. 

Ginger chai is a favourite in winter, offering the perfect wellness boost as the ginger can help clear the senses and soothe a sore throat. If you prefer a calming booster then Tulsi chai, made from basil is the tea for you. Cardamom or elaichi is refreshing and powerful, while turmeric chai is a warming blend for cooler nights.

Tools you will need

To brew the perfect cup of chai, you’ll need a small saucepan or milk pan – or set yourself up for success with a chai pot. With a distinctive shape and spout for easy brewing on your stove, a chai pot will make brewing your daily cup of chai as smooth an experience as the drink itself. Choose one made from glazed ceramic, glass, or porcelain, as they won’t impart unwanted flavours into your chai – the same goes for your teacup or mug. 

Don’t forget about the chai itself. You have a few chai options from a tea bag or a loose leaf selection! Pick a flavour with ingredients you love, or try them all until you find your perfect blend. 

How to brew the perfect cup

1. Add 3-4 teaspoons of loose-leaf chai to your pot. Then add 250ml of 8 fluid oz of water. 
2. Bring it to a simmer on a low-to-medium heat. 
3. Add the same volume of milk and reduce the heat, letting it simmer for 3-5 minutes. 
4. Gently stir your brew every now and then.
5. Strain it into a teacup and add sugar or honey as you prefer. 
6. Soak in the aroma and enjoy! 

While chai takes time to brew, make this process part of your enjoyment of the tea, slowing down the pace of your day as you soak in the delicious fragrance of the chai wafting throughout your home. It’s part of the tradition of chai, as much as savouring the drink itself.

If you’re short on time or you’re desperate for a cup of soothing chai at work, you can also purchase tea bags for the full taste experience without needing access to a stovetop.

There’s no one-chai-fits-all

Like all tea, there are a variety of ways to prepare chai, so if you’ve had it before and aren’t convinced, or you make it for the first time, and it doesn’t taste quite right, don’t despair!  

Not only are there variations on whether you make it with full cream or skimmed milk or with or without sugar, but you can also vary how much spice it contains and even which spices you include. Brewing your chai solely with milk will make it taste rich and full-bodied, while opting for half milk and half water will make a lighter cup of chai. If you prefer, swap sugar for honey for a natural alternative. Experiment with your chai blend until you find the perfect formula for you. The perfect cup of chai is a cup you’ll want to drink over and over again. 

No matter the blend or what you choose to add to your cup of chai, you’ll soon find it’s hard not to fall in love with this centuries-old drink. As it warms your insides and soothes your soul, take a moment to think of all those through history who have also made brewing the perfect cup of chai part of their daily life.

Have you made chai tea?

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