Chai Tea

Makes – 8 cups (2 L)

Chai, spiced milk tea, is the Hindi word for tea. Originated in India, Chai has become increasingly popular throughout the world. Combining the health benefits of cloves, cinnamon, ginger and black tea; Chai is a wonderful hot or cold drink that packs an antioxidant wallop.

8 whole cloves, slightly crushed*
2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
4 whole allspice, slightly crushed*
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
6 whole black peppercorns, slightly crushed*
6 cardamom seeds, slightly crushed*
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) loose Darjeeling* tea or 6 Darjeeling tea bags
6 cups water
2 cups skim milk
Honey or sweetener to taste

1. Place the cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice, ground ginger, peppercorns and cardamom seeds into a medium saucepan. Add the water and bring to the boil. When boiling add the tea. Cover and gently boil for 5 minutes.
2. Add the milk, bring to a simmer, cover and continue simmering for 10 minutes.
3. If you love stronger tea continue simmering for up to 1 hour.
4. When the tea has reached your desired strength remove from heat, strain into cups or mugs.
5. Add honey or sweetener to taste.

*To slightly crush spices - place spices on a wooden chopping board and press down with the back of a wooden spoon. This will give a stronger flavour to the Chai.

* Darjeeling with it’s a unique muscatel flavour is considered the "champagne of teas" according to tea connoisseurs. Don’t substitute with any other tea.


I created this recipe for alive magazine for their December 2007 issue.