How to Make Chai

Chai tea is a delicious, spicy, hot drink that's good for warming up on a cold day or soothing the nerves anytime. You may have already enjoyed a chai latte at your local coffee shop. Now how to make chai shows you how to brew your own batch at home.

• As with curry powder, there is no authoritative recipe for chai tea. Actually, the word "chai" translates simply as "tea." However, what most people mean when they reference chai tea is a mixture of black tea and strong spices correctly known as masala chai.Wikipedia: Masala Chai You can make your own chai at home and tailor the exact flavor to your own preferences. All you need is some water, black tea, milk and a few of your favorite spices.

• Again, your personal tastes will determine the final composition of your chai mix. Below you'll find some suggestions for starting ingredients. The given amounts are intended to flavor about three servings of tea made from three bags of black tea and three cups of water.
  • 10 whole green cardamom pods
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • 1 one-inch slice of fresh ginger
  • 4 peppercorns
  • 5 whole cloves

• Consider your own taste for the following ingredients when including them in your mixture. Smell a spice before adding it to your base mix. If you know you don't enjoy a certain flavor, don't include it. The measurements given are only a starting point, so feel free to change them up.
  • 4 teaspoons anise or 2 drops licorice extractRecipeZaar: Chai Tea (August 16, 1999)
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 vanilla beanMartha Stewart: Chai Tea with Milk
  • Pinch of saffron threadsAbout.com: Kashmiri Chai Tea
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seedFoodNetwork.com: Chai Tea
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seedsRecipeZaar: Chai Tea (August 16, 1999)

• Masala chai is stronger than other teas because the tea and spices are exposed to high temperatures for a longer period of time.Wikipedia: Masala Chai If you find, though, that your tea becomes too bitter for you, reduce the amount of time that the tea bags spend in the boiling water.

1. Put spices and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for five minutes, then take the mixture off the heat.
3. Allow spices to steep for ten minutes or so.
4. Put the pan back on the burner and bring it to a boil again.
5. Add the tea bags and allow the mixture to simmer for another three to five minutes.
6. Take off the heat and strain the entire mixture, discarding the pieces of whole spices and the tea bags.
7. Add milk and sweetener to taste.

• If you truly enjoy your chai, you'll take the time to perfect your own recipe. If you find the spices in your brew too strong, you don't have to waste that batch. Simply add some extra hot water or milk before you drink it. Get some input from friends—see who can come up with the best mix! Then, try your hand at making your own matcha tea or espresso drinks.