Name: Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1-inch knob ginger, peeled; 1-2 cinnamon sticks; 1 star anise; 5 cloves; 4 dried edible roses (optional, but delicious); 7 green cardamom pods; 10 black peppercorns; ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 5 cups water; 5 teaspoons loose leaf black tea; ⅓ cup granulated sugar, or to preference

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 22 reviews

If you’re anything like me, having a warm, comforting cup of chai ready in minutes sounds like a dream come true. That’s exactly why this Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a beautifully spiced, aromatic blend of black tea and fragrant chai spices brewed together to create a rich concentrate that you can easily mix with milk or water. This concentrate not only saves time on busy mornings but also delivers the authentic, cozy flavors of traditional Indian masala chai, perfect for any time you crave that soothing cup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board with a round shape holds several bowls and spices. On the board are two white bowls filled with white sugar crystals and black pepper seeds, both having a smooth texture and placed side by side. A smaller white bowl in the center holds a few dried rosebuds, displaying soft pink and green colors. A small wooden bowl contains a few black peppercorns, placed near the front of the board. On the wooden board beside the bowls are a piece of fresh ginger with a light tan, rough skin, a pair of cinnamon sticks with a warm brown color and textured surface, and a shiny star anise. The board is sitting on a white marbled textured surface, and a gray stone mortar with a pestle is positioned behind the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s infusing the chai with warmth, aroma, or the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. These simple pantry staples combine effortlessly to create a concentrate that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

1-inch knob ginger, peeled: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the chai and balances the spices.
1-2 cinnamon sticks: Bring a warm, sweet earthiness that’s unmistakable in classic chai.
1 star anise: Infuses a subtle licorice flavor that deepens the aromatic profile.
5 cloves: Provide a fragrant, bold warmth that complements the other spices well.
4 dried edible roses (optional): Add a delicate floral nuance that makes the chai extra special.
7 green cardamom pods: Lend a uniquely sweet and citrusy aroma that defines much of masala chai’s character.
10 black peppercorns: Introduce a gentle spiced heat that tingles on the tongue.
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Contributes a warm, nutty undertone that elevates the overall flavor.
5 cups water: The base that extracts all those wonderful flavors into the concentrate.
5 teaspoons loose leaf black tea: For a bold, robust tea flavor; choose your favorite strong black tea like Assam or Darjeeling.
⅓ cup granulated sugar (or to preference): Sweetens and balances the spicy notes perfectly.

How to Make Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe

Step 1: Crush the Spices and Ginger

Start by breaking down the fresh ginger into chunks using a mortar and pestle, which helps release its fresh juices. Then, lightly crush the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, rose petals, cardamom pods, and black peppercorns to unlock their essential oils. Don’t worry about pulverizing them completely; a gentle crush is enough to let those bold fragrances come alive.

Step 2: Dry Roast the Spices

Transfer all your crushed spices to a medium-sized pot and toast them over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon every 10 seconds to avoid burning. Within a minute or so, you’ll notice your kitchen filling with an intoxicating, spicy fragrance, signaling you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Simmer with Water

Pour the 5 cups of water into the pot with the roasted spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle rolling boil and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This period allows the water to absorb the full spectrum of spice flavors, creating a perfectly balanced base.

Step 4: Add Black Tea and Simmer

Once the water and spices have mingled, add in your loose leaf black tea. Stir them well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. Be careful not to boil it vigorously during this step because over-boiling can make the tea bitter, and that’s not the vibe we want.

Step 5: Sweeten and Steep

Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. The sweetness helps harmonize the spiciness and the tannins in the tea. Cover your pot and let the chai steep for at least 15 minutes to deepen the flavors even further before straining.

Step 6: Strain and Store

Pour your brewed chai concentrate through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher. This ensures a silky smooth finish without any stray spices or leaves. Refrigerate the concentrate in an airtight container where it will stay fresh for up to five days, ready for whenever you’re craving a comforting cup.

How to Serve Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe

Two tall clear glass mugs with handles each hold a three-layer drink: the bottom layer is a smooth light brown tea, the middle layer blends with the top layer which is a thick white foam topped lightly with brown cinnamon powder. The glasses stand on a rustic wooden table with a small round terracotta plate of green cardamom pods on the left in the foreground and a small ornate metal basket holding cinnamon sticks in the midground. The background is a soft green tone with subtle texture. The whole scene sits on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving chai is all about presentation and extra flavor touches. Freshly steamed milk or a splash of creamy oat or almond milk brings out the chai’s smoothness. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder, a few crushed cardamom seeds, or even a delicate rose petal on top to add that Instagram-worthy touch and a burst of aroma with every sip.

Side Dishes

This chai concentrate pairs beautifully with an array of treats. Whether it’s buttery naan, crunchy biscuits, or sweet Indian sweets like ladoos or jalebis, these snacks elevate the chai experience to new heights. The combination of spicy chai and sweet, textured snacks will have you looking forward to teatime each day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming your chai concentrate into a refreshing iced chai latte by chilling the concentrate and mixing it with cold milk and ice cubes on a hot day. Alternatively, for a cozy indulgence, warm a mug of the concentrate with milk and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweetened treat. Experimenting with the ratio of concentrate to milk lets you customize chai from bold to mellow exactly how you like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Keeping it covered in a clean container helps maintain the vibrant spice flavors and prevents any fridge odors from creeping in. Just give it a good stir before using.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the chai concentrate in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a labeled freezer bag. This makes portioning easy and it thaws quickly in a warm cup of milk when you need your chai fix fast.

Reheating

Reheat your chai concentrate gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid boiling it to preserve the delicate balance of spices and prevent bitterness. Pair with warm milk and enjoy a comforting cup any time.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?

Absolutely! While loose leaf tea tends to offer a richer flavor and smoother finish, good quality black tea bags can work. Just use approximately the same amount and keep an eye on simmering time to avoid bitterness.

What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?

Don’t stress! You can still make a delicious chai concentrate with just ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The other spices add depth, but these basics capture the heart of chai.

Is there a dairy-free way to enjoy this chai concentrate?

Definitely! The concentrate itself is dairy-free. Simply mix it with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free chai latte.

How sweet should the chai concentrate be?

That’s totally up to your taste! This recipe calls for ⅓ cup sugar, but you can adjust it to be less sweet or more, or even use alternatives like honey or maple syrup during serving.

Can I make this chai concentrate ahead of time for a party?

Yes! The concentrate is perfect for making large batches ahead. Store it chilled and warm it gently when guests arrive so you can serve fresh, piping-hot chai lattes with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe enough for anyone who loves the warm, spicy hug of chai without the wait. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and so rewarding, especially when you see how quickly it transforms an ordinary moment into something special. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!