Understanding Chai

The term 'Chai' originates from the Hindi word for tea, which itself is derived from the Chinese 'cha'. In the context of Hindi 'chai', it refers to a flavorful concoction of spices brewed into a beverage resembling tea. The chai recipes differ widely across continents, cultures, and traditions. The term 'chai spice' nowadays signifies a drink brimming with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, all infused with black tea. The spice blend might vary by region, so feel free to adjust the mix by omitting or substituting spices to your taste.

Creating Your Chai Latte

1. Place 1 Masala Dream Chai tea pyramid bag or two teaspoons of our Masala Dream Chai loose-leaf mix into your mug.
2. Fill it up with boiling water (just about ¼ of a teacup).
3. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your flavour.
4. For an extra hint of sweetness, add a dash of maple or agave syrup.
5. While the tea steeps, froth some milk or a cashew drink to your liking. A milk frother works wonders, but heating the milk on the stove or in the microwave followed by a brisk hand whisk does the trick too (be cautious, it will be hot).
6. Finish by pouring the frothy milk into your mug, and there you have it.

Introducing the Dirty Chai

For those mornings when you're in need of an extra kick to get going, consider the dirty chai—a chai tea latte with an added shot of espresso. To learn how to craft one, including methods to make espresso without a machine or to brew an easy cold brew for that extra zing, check out these instructional posts. (Note: Insert links to posts here.)