The recipe for authentic chai spice mix includes a number of common Indian spices. This chai mix is the basis for chai tea. Use it to make a hot or cold chai latte, or use it to flavor your favorite baked goods like chai latte cake.
Table of Content
Chai spice is a very popular spice mix, and yet, you won't get any two identical. All around the world, you will find many variations.
While they will all have similar ingredients, the quantity of each spice used will vary. Often, the Indian brands will have ground ginger and ground cardamom as the dominant flavor, while in the US you will have cinnamon as the most dominant flavor. That is why when you buy the chai spice latte from Starbucks it often feels like a cinnamon chai latte rather than a chai latte.
Spices are about finding that balance, which is why I like to make all my spice mixes at home. My mom was known to make her own and luckily I got her good genes. This chai spice is a universal blend I think you will love very much.
Why make this spice mix
- Chai spices are readily available to buy, but the best chai spice recipe takes minimal effort and yields maximum flavor.
- There are five main spices in this chai spice mix, ground ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. I like to add a dash of pepper as well.
- As you can see, I make small batches. Why? Well, spices, once ground, should not be kept around for too long. This recipe makes a little over a ⅓ cup and with a shelf life of about 3 months. So, unless you plan to give these as gifts to people (which I often do) I highly recommend you make a small batch.
- This is such a versatile spice blend. The most common of course is to make hot chai spice latte or iced chai spice latte. Also, I love using chai instead of pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice in my baked goods. Have you tried my chai latte cake yet?
Chai spice mix
- From powders - In a small bowl, combine all the powdered spices well. Use a small whisk to ensure everything is well combined.
- From whole spices - Place all the whole and powdered spices in a spice grinder. Pulse it a few times until finely ground.
- Storage - Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Pro tip - This can last 3 months, but, check the date on the individual spices used to make sure they all have at least 3 months of shelf life.
Benefits of chai
Chai tea is gaining in popularity for its health benefits. Growing up I was told that
- Chai is a wonderful antioxidant.
- It helps boost metabolism encouraging weight loss.
- It is made with wonderful spices such as cinnamon and cardamom that have known to have many health benefits.
- Cardamom spice is said to help boost the immune system.
- Black tea is said to have heart-healthy benefits too.
- Most Indian meals end with chai because it is said to help reduce bloating.
- As a teenager, every time I had my period my mom would give me chai to help with the cramps.
- To me, it's always been the perfect drink to relieve stress.
Chai contains a lot of wonderful ingredients such as spices that have a lot of helpful benefits. But, it also contains black tea which does have caffeine like any other tea.
Well, chai also contains tannin which reduces the rate at which caffeine is absorbed into our system. So instead of caffeine giving a burst of energy it helps relax and calm which helps you fall asleep.
Every brand you buy will have a different combination of spices. Some with more cardamom while some with additional cinnamon. However, authentic chai spice like this one is the perfect blend of all the spices.
Printable Recipe
Authentic Chai Spice Mix - 5 Mins
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Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
from powders
- 2 tablespoon Ground ginger
- 2 tablespoon Cardamom
- 2 tablespoon Cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
from Whole spices
- 2 tablespoon Ground ginger
- 10 Cardamoms (whole)
- 3 inches Cinnamon stick (broken into smaller pieces)
- 10 Cloves
- 1 tsp Nutmeg (fresh grated)
- 10 Allspice (whole)
- 5 Black peppercorns
Instructions
from powders
from whole spices
- Place all the whole and powdered spices in a spice grinder. Pulse it a few times until finely ground.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.Pro tip - This can last 3 months, but, check the date on the individual spices used to make sure they all have at least 3 months of shelflife.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Always store in an airtight jar to ensure the flavor of the spices is sealed in well.
- Ideally, these spices have a long shelf life. And yet, it's best to make a note on the jar so you know when it's time to make a new batch.
- Read the expiry date on the powders you used - choose the one with the earliest date as a guide.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
cyndy
This is the first time I have made chai spice mix at home and it turned out perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you. Cyndy. I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Charla
I always buy my chai spice mix from the store so this will come in handy the next time I'm in the mood for chai. Thank you so much!!!
Veena Azmanov
You are welcome Charla. Thanks