Masala Chai

Masala chai is one of the great spiced drinks of the world — bold Indian black tea, warming spices, milk, and sweetness, combined in a way that's both energizing and deeply comforting. Our Masala Chai is spice-forward, full-bodied, and magnetically aromatic. Traditional chai done with intention. The cup that warms you from the inside out.

Why We Carry This

Chai — which simply means "tea" in Hindi — has been consumed in India for thousands of years. Masala chai ("spiced tea") is the specific preparation that combines black tea with warming spices — cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper — brewed with milk and sweetened to taste. It's the drink of Indian street vendors, family kitchens, and morning rituals across the subcontinent. We carry it because nothing else delivers this kind of warmth and complexity in a single cup.

Flavor Profile

• Warm cardamom — the defining spice of masala chai, floral and aromatic
• Cinnamon warmth — sweet and deeply comforting
• Ginger heat — a gentle warmth that builds through the cup
• Clove depth — subtle complexity that adds character
• Bold black tea base — full-bodied and satisfying, the backbone of the blend
• Warm, spiced finish — all the spices linger pleasantly

Ingredients

Bold Indian black tea (Assam), cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper. No artificial flavoring. No added sugar.

Yield: ~50–100 cups per 12oz. Tea is more concentrated — a little goes a long way.

How to Brew

Chai Latte (Traditional — Recommended)

1. Combine 1 teaspoon of loose leaf with 4oz of water and 4oz of milk in a small saucepan
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat
3. Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Strain into a cup
5. Add sugar or honey to taste

Steeped (Western Style)

1. Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf per 8oz of water
2. Heat water to 212°F
3. Steep 4–5 minutes
4. Strain and add steamed milk and sweetener to taste

Iced Chai Latte

1. Brew double-strength
2. Chill completely
3. Pour over ice and add cold milk
4. Sweeten to taste

Best For

• Morning rituals — the spice and caffeine combination is genuinely energizing
• Chai latte lovers who want to make it at home without a coffee shop
• Cold weather sipping — warm spices are particularly satisfying in autumn and winter
• Coffee alternatives — bold enough to satisfy, different enough to be interesting

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I add milk?
Traditional masala chai is always made with milk — it's part of what makes it chai. Add milk and sweetener for the authentic experience.

Should I add sugar?
Traditional chai is sweet — the sweetness balances the spice and the bitterness of the black tea. Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste.

Can I make it without milk?
Yes — steep in water and drink black, or use a plant-based milk alternative. Oat milk works particularly well with the warm spices.

Is it caffeinated?
Yes — Masala Chai is built on a bold black tea base. A typical cup contains approximately 40–70mg of caffeine depending on steep time and ratio.

Explore our full tea lineup — or browse everything we carry.

Love bold, warming drinks? Our Masala Chai is featured in the Bold & Strong Bundle — Masala Chai, English Breakfast & Holiday Blend. Save $12.