Making spiced chai at home is so rewarding in many ways. I remember the first time I tasted warm spiced chai tea at Starbucks one bone chilling cold wet and rainy day in Washington DC. It warmed me to the bone in a single sip.

However, being loaded with fat at sugar and who knows what else, I decided to brew my own at home. First I used the Spiced Chai bags from the tea store. Then, I got a recipe and decided to try it out.

I am a total sucker for anything that makes my house smell great, naturally. Once I placed this mixture in the crock pot, my house smelled like heaven for hours. Then the best part was getting to drink that amazing aroma in a nice warm cuppa tea.

Here’s what you need to make Chai at home:

Gather these things to make Chai. include black tea or burdock root or another herb if you prefer.

2 tablespoons dried orange peel OR use the peel from 1 fresh orange
2 tablespoons ginger root
1 cinnamon stick, crushed into bits
3-4 green cardamom pods, crushed
3-5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon peppercorns, (I use a variety of peppercorns, it doesn’t matter if you use only one kind)
As a base, choose 2 tablespoons black tea, green tea or burdock root.
Additionally you can choose to add 1/2 vanilla bean and or a teaspoon of grated nutmeg
2 quarts fresh cold water

Put it all in pot, bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 hour. Strain, add honey and milk to taste if desired.

Or you can bring it to a boil, then put it into a crock pot on low and let it simmer overnight for an intoxicating aroma and delightful tea in the morning.

If you are the kind who has cold hands and feet, try this. It will warm you completely and wonderfully. It’s sure to make you smile.

If you make Chai at home, please share in the comments how your recipe may be similar or different.

Chai is like curry, so many possibilities!

Homemade Chai Spiced Tea

In My Kitchen, December 2013 (spoonfeast.com)
Masala chai for the snowed in (curiocitybird.com)
why chai (healthfulyouth.wordpress.com)
Forget Starbucks – How To Make Chai Tea From Scratch! (refinery29.com)

5 thoughts on “Making Spiced Chai at Home”

I’m afraid I’ve never experienced the pleasure of making my own chai at home, although after reading this recipe I think I shall have to try it! I too love delicious smells wafting from the kitchen (baking bread and pastries is another of my favourites).