Homemade Chai Tea Recipe, Plus a Bonus Iced Version

Chai simply means "tea" across much of South Asia, but in the West it usually refers to masala chai: black tea simmered with warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, black pepper and nutmeg, then finished with milk. Here's how to make it at home, plus a bonus iced version for warmer days.

What's in Chai Tea?

The base of masala chai is black tea combined with a spice blend, then simmered with milk and a sweetener. The classic version includes cinnamon, ginger, star anise, cardamom, clove, black pepper and black tea. Some variations skip the anise and pepper, and a few swap in green tea for the black tea base along with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and almonds.

Tips for a Better Chai

• Use fresh, whole spices where you can — freshly ground cardamom and cinnamon make a noticeable difference.
• Whole milk gives the richest texture, but a lactose-free milk works well too.
• Stick with black tea rather than green tea if you want the classic flavor, and don't skip the sweetener — it balances the spice.
• Grind your spice mix finely, and store any extra in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark place.
• A blend of a black tea bag and loose black tea can give you a slightly deeper flavor.

Homemade Chai Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fennel or aniseed seeds
• 6 cardamom pods
• 12 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4-inch piece of ginger, cut into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 7 cups water
• 2 black tea bags (Darjeeling works well)
• 6 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Combine the spices and bay leaves in a pot with the 7 cups of water and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes — no longer, or the tea can turn sour.
3. Add the tea bags, return to low heat, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the honey or sugar and the milk.
5. Strain and serve warm.

Bonus Recipe: Frappe Chai Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 4g ground fennel
• 2 oz. black tea leaves
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground clove

Instructions:

1. Combine the spices in a bowl and set aside.
2. Bring water to a boil, add the black tea and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix, and let steep for 2 minutes off the heat.
3. Combine with the milk and sugar in a saucepan and heat until it just reaches a boil, then let it cool.
4. Blend with a generous amount of ice until smooth and frothy.

FAQ

How much caffeine is in chai tea?

It depends on how strong you brew it and how much tea you use, but a typical cup lands in a moderate range — similar to or slightly less than a cup of black tea. See our chai tea caffeine guide for more detail.

Can I make chai tea without dairy?

Yes — oat, almond or coconut milk all work well in place of dairy milk; just note the flavor and creaminess will vary slightly.

What's the difference between chai tea and masala chai?

They're generally the same thing — "chai" is often used as shorthand in the West for what's more precisely called masala chai. See our full breakdown of what chai tea is.

The Bottom Line

Homemade chai tea comes down to a good spice blend, a strong black tea base, and a generous pour of milk. Make the classic hot version for a cozy afternoon, or blend up the frappe version when it's too warm for a hot drink. For more chai variations, see our guides to masala chai and iced chai tea lattes.