Chai Tea Homemade ✪
It all begins with an idea.
Smart Mix Score: ●●●○○
ⓘ pours 2 mugs
Fragrant black tea brewed with whole spices and simmered in milk for a warming, spiced classic.
Flavor Profile Spiced
Bold and aromatic with layers of cinnamon, cardamom, and clove.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf Assam or Darjeeling)
1 cinnamon stick
4 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
4 whole cloves
4 black peppercorns
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced or grated)
1 star anise (optional)
1–2 tbsp sugar, honey, or maple syrup (to taste)
1 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Boil spices:
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a simmer. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and star anise. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to infuse.Add tea:
Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.Add milk & sweetener:
Stir in the milk and your sweetener of choice. Let it heat gently (do not boil) for 2–3 minutes.Strain & serve:
Strain the tea into mugs using a fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg if desired.Sip warm.
Pairs well with cookies, cake, or a quiet morning.
Chai Tea Masala Version
It all begins with an idea.
Smart Mix Score: ●●●○○
ⓘ pours 2–3 mugs
Aromatic black tea simmered with warm spices, milk, and a touch of sweetness—this comforting classic is bold and creamy.
Flavor Profile Aromatic
Warming cinnamon and cardamom with a bold tea backbone.
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk)
2–3 tsp loose leaf black tea (like Assam or Darjeeling) or 2 black tea bags
2–3 tsp sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Whole spices:
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods (crushed)
4 whole cloves
4–6 black peppercorns
1 star anise (optional)
1–inch fresh ginger (sliced or smashed)
Instructions
Simmer the spices:
In a saucepan, add water and all whole spices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for 5–7 minutes to extract flavor.Add tea:
Add the black tea to the spiced water and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.Add milk & sweetener:
Pour in the milk and your choice of sweetener. Stir and let the chai heat until just about to boil—don’t let it overflow.Strain & serve:
Strain into mugs and enjoy hot.
English Breakfast
It all begins with an idea.
Smart Mix Score: ●○○○○
ⓘ serves 1 mug
A bold, malty black tea traditionally served hot with milk, sugar, or lemon for a comforting start to the day.
Flavor Profile Robust
Full-bodied and brisk with a malty backbone.
Ingredients
1 English Breakfast tea bag or 1–1.5 tsp loose-leaf English Breakfast tea
1 cup boiling water (just off the boil, around 200°F / 93°C)
Optional:
Splash of whole milk or cream
Honey, sugar, or sweetener to taste
Lemon slice (if skipping milk)
Instructions
Boil water:
Bring water to a rolling boil and let it cool slightly (1–2 minutes) for optimal tea flavor.Steep the tea:
Place tea bag or loose tea (in infuser) into your mug or teapot.
Pour in hot water and steep for 4–5 minutes for full strength.
Remove tea bag or infuser.
Customize:
Add milk and sweetener or a squeeze of lemon (not both—lemon can curdle milk).
Stir gently and sip while hot.
Earl Grey
It all begins with an idea.
Smart Mix Score: ●○○○○
ⓘ serves 1 mug
A refined black tea infused with bergamot citrus, offering a fragrant and slightly floral experience—great with lemon or a hint of milk.
Flavor Profile Citrusy
Bold black tea with aromatic bergamot notes.
Ingredients
1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1–1.5 tsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
1 cup water (just off boiling, ~200°F / 93°C)
Optional:
Thin slice of lemon
Splash of milk (British-style)
Sugar, honey, or vanilla syrup
Lavender buds (for a floral twist)
Instructions
Boil water:
Heat water until just boiling, then let sit for 30 seconds before pouring.Steep tea:
Add tea to cup or teapot and pour in hot water. Steep for 3–4 minutes (longer for stronger flavor).