Chai Tea Recipe: Warm and Healthy Drink from India

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Many people around the world love making their own chai tea recipe at home. This warm, sweet drink brings comfort and energy to millions of people every day. A good chai tea recipe can help you save money and enjoy fresh, homemade flavors.

Chai tea has become very popular around the world in recent years. People love its warm, spicy flavor that makes them feel cozy and relaxed. Many people also choose chai tea because they hear about its health benefits. Learning a simple chai tea recipe lets you enjoy this trending drink at home anytime you want.

In this article, we will share our classic chai tea recipe. We will also talk about what it is and its many health benefits. We gathered the information from various sources, Wednesday (3/9/2025).

Chai tea is a traditional Indian drink that has become popular all around the world. In Hindi, the word "chai" simply means tea. What people often call "chai tea" is better known as masala chai, which is spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and fragrant spices. Each family or region in India may have its own special blend, which makes it unique.

The spices used in chai tea can vary, but common choices include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. These spices are mixed with black tea leaves and brewed with water and milk. The result is a warm and flavorful drink that balances both sweet and spicy notes.

Chai tea also has a long history. The earliest versions of chai were not made with black tea at all. Instead, they were blends of herbs and spices used for their healing properties. Later, during British colonization in India, black tea was added to the recipe, and chai became the drink we know today.

Today, chai tea is enjoyed in many forms. Some people brew it from scratch, while others use ready-made tea bags or concentrates. It can be served hot, cold, or even as a chai latte in cafés. This flexibility is one of the reasons why chai tea is loved by so many people.

Here is a simple and authentic chai tea recipe you can make at home. It will serve two cups.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups water

- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose black tea)

- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk alternative)

- 2–3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

- 1 small stick of cinnamon

- 3–4 thin slices of fresh ginger

- 2 whole cloves

- 2–3 black peppercorns

- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Pour the water into a small pot and bring it to a boil. Add the cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and peppercorns. Let the spices boil for 5 minutes so they release their flavor.

2. Add the black tea bags or loose tea to the boiling water. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes. This will make the tea strong and rich.

3. Pour in the milk and stir gently. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the milk boil over. This step blends the tea, milk, and spices into a smooth drink.

4. Sweeten with sugar or honey if you like. Stir until fully dissolved.

5. Strain the tea into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chai tea.

Chai tea is not only delicious but also provides many health benefits. The black tea and spices used in the drink contain natural compounds that can support your body in different ways. Here are some key health benefits:

1. Good for Your Heart

The spices in chai tea can help keep your heart healthy. According to WebMD, "The cinnamon in chai tea may prevent hypertension, especially in people with diabetes." Cinnamon can also help lower bad cholesterol levels. Black tea in chai has been shown to reduce blood pressure when people drink it regularly.

2. Helps Control Blood Sugar

Chai tea ingredients can help manage blood sugar levels. Both cinnamon and ginger work together to help your body use insulin better. Insulin is the hormone that controls sugar in your blood. When insulin works well, your blood sugar stays more stable after eating.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Black tea and spices contain antioxidants. These are special substances that protect your body's cells from damage. Antioxidants can help prevent serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. The more antioxidants you eat and drink, the better protected your body becomes.

4. Improves Digestion

According to GoodRx, ginger consumption can help improve long-term blood sugar control by affecting hemoglobin A1C levels. Ginger in chai tea can also help with stomach problems. It can reduce nausea, help food digest better, and calm an upset stomach. Many people drink chai tea after meals to help their digestion.

5. Boosts Brain Function

The combination of caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine in black tea can help your brain work better. This combination can improve your focus and attention. The smell of cinnamon alone can help improve memory. Drinking chai tea can help you feel more alert and focused during the day.

6. May Help with Weight Management

Chai tea made with milk provides protein, which helps you feel full longer. This can help prevent overeating between meals. The spices in chai may also help speed up your metabolism slightly. However, be careful about adding too much sugar, as this can add unwanted calories.

7. Supports Immune System

The spices in chai tea have antibacterial properties. This means they can help fight off harmful bacteria in your body. Regular consumption of spiced teas like chai may help keep your immune system strong, especially during cold and flu seasons.