Chai tea is a beverage with origins in India but has gained worldwide popularity over the years. Chai tea recipes vary differently depending on who is asked and there is no set way to prepare the drink. However, most can agree that most versions are comprised of black tea, milk, spices and sweetener.
Many variations to the drink can be found in the type of spices or sweeteners used. There are any number of spices and flavorings that have found their way into chai tea recipes including cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, anise, allspice, licorice, and vanilla. Any combination of these is acceptable, but many believe that true chai tea needs to include cardamom and either pepper or ginger for spiciness. Almost any sweetener is used, but the most common is plain white sugar. Turbinado, demarara and other raw cane sugars are sometimes used for an earthy flavor and some recipes even call for honey. Any type of milk or non-dairy milk substitute can be used, but there is much debate about the proper proportions of milk to water to be used.
Many retailers have caught on to the chai tea phenomenon and have produced quality chai tea mixes for speed and ease. Popular outlets have their own brands and mixtures like Starbucks chai tea, which has become one of their best selling drinks. Other brands like Mystic Chai Tea, Big Train Chai Tea and Tazo Chai Tea provide authentic flavor with the convenience of being already prepared. Many times, the drink is also referred to as “chai tea latte” to denote the presence of milk in the beverage.
