Homemade Spiced Chai Tea

Ingredients

• 2chai tea bags
• 296 ml (10 fluid ounces)boiling water
• 177 ml (6 fluid ounces)almond milk (or oat or goat’s milk), warmed
• 15–30 ml (1–2 tablespoons)Greek honey, preferably pine honey, to taste
• 1star anise
• 1 smallcinnamon stick

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the tea

   Place the tea bags in a teapot and pour over the boiling water.

2. 2

   Add the spices

   Put the star anise and cinnamon stick into the teapot.

3. 3

   Steep the tea

   Leave the tea to steep for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in milk

   Stir in the warmed almond, oat or goat’s milk and the honey.

5. 5

   Pour and serve

   Pour the chai into cups and serve.

What is chai tea?

Chai is spiced tea, commonly made with black tea, milk and a sweetener. In India, the blend varies between regions and households, with spices such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and black pepper often used.

This version is a quick, simple cup made with chai tea bags, star anise and a cinnamon stick. Warm milk and honey round out the strong tea and spice flavours.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 180 calories, 2g protein, 28g carbs, 7g fat.

The tea contributes little energy, while honey provides most of the carbohydrates and the milk supplies most of the fat and some protein. To make this a more balanced snack, serve it with a source of protein, such as yoghurt, or pair it with a filling meal.

Choosing the tea and milk

Tea bags: Use chai tea bags for a ready-made blend of black tea and spices. The recipe steeps them briefly, so the tea has time to infuse without requiring a separate spice mixture.

Milk: Warm the almond milk before adding it, or use oat or goat’s milk as listed. Each gives the drink a different flavour and texture.

Infusing the spices

Whole spices: The star anise and cinnamon stick steep alongside the tea, adding their aroma directly to the brew. Leave them in the pot during the short steep, then pour the tea into cups.

Getting the steep right

Timing: Steep for 2 to 3 minutes, as directed. A shorter steep gives a milder cup, while leaving the tea bags in longer can make the black tea taste more pronounced.

Sweetening the chai

Honey: The recipe allows 1 to 2 tablespoons, so add it to taste. Stir it in with the warm milk to help it dissolve evenly.

Serving ideas

Serve the chai while warm, as a drink on its own or alongside a small biscuit or piece of toast. Pouring it soon after steeping keeps the tea and spice aromas fresh.

Recipe notes & tips

• Warm the milk before adding it so it does not cool the freshly brewed tea as much.
• Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add more if you prefer a sweeter cup.
• Keep the tea bags in the teapot for the full 2 to 3 minutes before adding the milk.
• Use the cinnamon stick and star anise whole, as specified, for a clear infusion.
• Pour the tea into cups soon after stirring in the milk and honey.

Variations

• Try oat milk: Use warmed oat milk in place of almond milk for a different texture.
• Use goat’s milk: Choose warmed goat’s milk for the alternative listed in the recipe.
• Adjust the honey: Add 1 tablespoon for a less sweet cup or up to 2 tablespoons to taste.
• Strengthen the spice: Leave the star anise and cinnamon in the pot while the tea steeps.
• Serve over ice: Cool the brewed tea before pouring it over ice for a chilled version.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding cold milk: It can cool the drink; warm the milk before stirring it in.
• Over-steeping: The black tea may become more pronounced; keep to the stated 2 to 3 minutes.
• Too much honey at first: The drink can become sweeter than intended; begin with 1 tablespoon and taste.
• Skipping the stir: Honey may not blend evenly; stir it in with the milk before serving.
• Leaving the tea to stand: Its flavour can grow stronger; pour into cups after the brief steep.

How to store

This chai is best made fresh and served warm. If necessary, refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently, stirring before serving; the tea may taste stronger after standing.

Frequently asked questions