Chai is spiced black tea, traditionally simmered with milk and warming spices. Masala chai is one of the most beloved tea drinks in the world.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base | Black tea |
| Caffeine | Medium to high |
| Spices | Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, pepper |
| Preparation | Simmered with milk |
| Flavor | Spiced, warming, sweet |
| Origin | India |
Brewing masala chai
Authentic masala chai is simmered, not just steeped: black tea, milk, sweetener, and crushed spices are brought together on the stove so the spices fully infuse. It can also be made quickly from a concentrate.
Simmer to release the spices. Steeping alone will not extract the whole spices. Simmer the tea and spices in milk and water for several minutes for a full-bodied chai.
See the Black Tea Guide and the Tea Brewing Guide.