How to Make Vanilla Chai Mix

Chai, pronounced with a long "i" as in the word tie, is the actual word for tea in many countries. However, vanilla chai is becoming extremely popular in the United States as people are becoming exposed to it as lattes in coffee and tea houses.

Chai tea originates in India. In its most basic form chai is black tea that is brewed strong with a combination of spices and is diluted with milk and sugar.

While the spices vary from recipe to recipe, they usually include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper and ginger. Chai is traditionally consumed hot and sweet, but can also be served over crushed ice for an Iced Chai Latte.

This recipe for vanilla chai mix is a great way to prepare this wonderful drink in just a couple of minutes. Once the mix is made you'll simply need to add a few scoops to your mug and cover with hot water.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup dry milk
• 1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1 cup french vanilla powdered non-dairy creamer
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea (regular or decaf)
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp all-spice
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)
• large mixing bowl
• blender or food processor
• airtight container for storing chai tea mix

1. To make vanilla chai with a food processor, simply add all of the ingredients and process on medium for a minute or two.

2. If you are using a blender to make your vanilla chai, you need to blend about 2-3 cups of ingredients at a time. Start with the dry milk and non-dairy creamer. Blend until it is a powdery consistency.

3. Pour mixture into the bowl.

4. Blend the white sugar until powdery and add to the large bowl.

5. Blend the unsweetened instant tea along with the spices. Pour this mixture into the bowl.

6. Carefully stir the ingredients until they are completely incorporated.

7. Pour vanilla chai tea mix into an airtight container and store at room temperature.

8. To make vanilla chai, place 3 Tbsp of mix in a fine strainer. Hold the strainer over a mug and pour hot water through the strainer into the mug.

9. You can also simply place the chai directly in the mug, fill the mug with hot water and stir. However, this will leave the gritty spices at the bottom of the mug, so you might want to skip the last sip or two.

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe makes almost 7 cups of chai tea mix.
• Pour the mixture over crushed ice, once it's dissolved, if you're serving it cold.

Resources

• Other Articles by aheart4home

[FrazzledNanny]

on 4/29/2009 My daughter loves Vanilla Chai. Thanks for the recipe. 5*

[static404]

on 3/27/2009 Now I can make my own...thanks.

[CCrock]

on 3/23/2009 I love iced vanilla Chai in the summer! Can't wait to try this.

[howsitdone]

on 3/20/2009 Great way to always have some of my favorite beverage on hand

[woot]

on 3/20/2009 Thanks for the recipe for vanilla chai mix. I will definitely try it. I love chai tea but it is expensive to order at one of those coffee shops!