Iced Masala Chai Recipe
Transport yourself to a fragrant Indian street market with each sip of this iced masala chai, where the rich aroma of spices dances through the air and cools you from the inside out.
I love crafting a refreshing Iced Masala Chai that perfectly balances warm spices and the chill of ice. With aromatic notes from cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves, combined with the richness of black tea and the creaminess of whole milk, this invigorating beverage is both comforting and energizing.
The inclusion of fresh ginger not only adds an extra zing but also offers anti-inflammatory benefits, making it both delicious and health-conscious to enjoy on a warm day.
Iced Masala Chai Recipe Ingredients
- Black Tea: Rich in antioxidants, boosts alertness and metabolism.
- Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth, aids digestion, and balances blood sugar.
- Cardamom Pods: Sweet aromatic spice, enhances flavor, helps with bloating.
- Fresh Ginger: Spicy kick, anti-inflammatory, soothes sore throat.
- Cloves: Warmth and depth; excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Whole Milk: Creamy texture, provides calcium and protein.
- Sugar: Sweetens the chai, offers quick energy boost.
Iced Masala Chai Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes
How to Make this Iced Masala Chai Recipe
1. In a saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, sliced ginger, star anise (if using), and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Add the loose black tea or tea bags to the simmering water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, adjusting the time for desired strength.
4. Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then add the milk to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to heat until it is just about to simmer, but do not let it boil over.
5. If using, add the vanilla extract now and stir well to combine.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher, discarding the solids.
7. Let the strained mixture cool to room temperature, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
8. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
9. Pour the chilled masala chai over the ice in each glass, ensuring the tea is evenly distributed.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing iced masala chai!
Iced Masala Chai Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Saucepan
2. Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
3. Heatproof pitcher
4. Stirring spoon
5. Knife or peeler (for slicing ginger)
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving glasses
FAQ
- Can I use a non-dairy milk substitute? Yes, you can replace whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Is brown sugar a good substitute for white sugar in this recipe? Absolutely, brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar to give the chai a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
- Can I make this chai without sugar? Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet version.
- How long can I store chai in the refrigerator? Iced chai can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.
- Do I need to strain the spices after steeping? Yes, it’s best to strain out the spices and tea leaves before serving to ensure a smooth drink.
- Can I skip any spices if I don’t have them? The spices are flexible. If you’re missing one or two, you can proceed without them, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Iced Masala Chai Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Whole milk: Substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar: Use honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Loose black tea or tea bags: Try using green tea or rooibos for a different flavor profile.
- Cinnamon stick: Replace with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Fresh ginger: Substitute with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
Pro Tips
1. Crushing Spices: Lightly crush the cardamom pods and cloves with a mortar and pestle before adding them to the mixture. This will release more of their essential oils and enhance the flavor of the chai.
2. Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the chai before straining and adjust the sugar to your liking. Remember that sweetness can be adjusted further in the glass if needed, especially for iced chai where cold temperatures can mute flavors slightly.
3. Steeping Time: If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can steep the black tea for an extra minute or two. Just be careful not to steep it too long, as it can become bitter.
4. Ginger Intensity: Adjust the amount of fresh ginger based on your preference. Fresh ginger adds a refreshing zing, but it can be strong if steeped too long. Taste and adjust as you simmer.
5. Serving Variation: For a creamy variation, consider using evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of whole milk. This will enrich the texture and flavor of the iced chai.
Iced Masala Chai Recipe
My favorite Iced Masala Chai Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Saucepan
2. Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
3. Heatproof pitcher
4. Stirring spoon
5. Knife or peeler (for slicing ginger)
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving glasses
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, sliced ginger, star anise (if using), and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Add the loose black tea or tea bags to the simmering water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, adjusting the time for desired strength.
4. Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then add the milk to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to heat until it is just about to simmer, but do not let it boil over.
5. If using, add the vanilla extract now and stir well to combine.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher, discarding the solids.
7. Let the strained mixture cool to room temperature, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
8. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
9. Pour the chilled masala chai over the ice in each glass, ensuring the tea is evenly distributed.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing iced masala chai!
