How to Make Chai with a Tea Bag

Chai tea is a spiced beverage that originated in India. In many parts of the world, the word "chai" simply means tea, but in Western culture the word is often used to mean "spiced tea," or "masala chai." You can make your own chai with a tea bag and a few common kitchen spices for a hot, delicious drink. This recipe makes enough for one serving, but can easily be adapted for larger portions.

Things You'll Need

• Sauce pan or tea kettle
• Heat-safe cup or coffee mug
• Tea bag of choice
• Powdered milk
• Sweetened condensed milk (optional)
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Bring one and a half cups of water to a boil in a small sauce pan or tea kettle. Transfer the water to a heat-safe cup or coffee mug.

2. Add one tea bag to the water, and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Any type of tea bag may be used, but black tea such as Earl Grey or English breakfast varieties work best.

3. Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze over the mug to release any water it has absorbed. This will also make the chai a little stronger.

4. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered milk to the tea and stir to combine. This will add the familiar creaminess to your chai. Add more or less depending on your taste. Sweetened condensed milk may be used instead, if desired, for a sweeter, creamier result.

5. Add brown sugar, honey and vanilla extract to taste. If you're unsure about how much to add, try a teaspoon each of brown sugar and honey, and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla and work from there, adding more if necessary. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• There are numerous variations of chai tea. Try adding two tablespoons of hot cocoa mix for a chocolate chai, or use an orange spice tea bag and add one tablespoon of apple cider drink mix for a spicy chai.

References

• NOLS Cookery (National Outdoor Leadership School), Claudia Pearson and Claudia Lindholm, Stackpole Books, 2004