Homemade chai spices mix

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Five ingredients and five minutes to make your own mix that will rival any bought blend

DIY chai blend

Isn’t it a real pleasure to have chai spiced drinks and desserts?
Unfortunately, most of the chai blends out there don’t suit my taste because they are too spicy for me and my kids…
With that in mind, I’ve found the perfect ratio for a sweet taste that everyone likes, but at the same time with enough spices not to be boring.
Ready to enjoy your homemade chai spices mix?

What is in chai spices?

Ingredients and ratio for homemade chai spice mix

Chai means tea in Hindi, but the term “chai” has become widely popular around America and much of the world for describing masala chai’s flavor.

Masala chai is a combination of tea with some fragrant spices, commonly including the warming notes from cinnamon and cardamom as well as ginger root.
Chai spices also include often cloves, nutmeg, star anise, black pepper and vanilla.

The earthy and comforting tones of masala tea made this flavor so popular that it’s quite common to find recipes that use the characteristic spices of this tea – known as chai spice mix or chai spices blend.

However, it seems like every house has its own recipe, so there isn’t an “one and only” blend for it.

Before I go on, I want to clarify that I’ve never been in the regions where this tea originates from, so this recipe is probably not the most authentic masala chai taste out there.
I’ve tried many brands and recipes from the internet, but most are too spicy for my taste.
That led me to this mild blend that I really like because it’s smooth, but has a kick to it.

If you’re looking for something spicier, this probably won’t be strong enough for your taste, but if you are after something mild with a special touch then this homemade chai spice blend will definitely hit the spot.

Benefits of this chai spices blend

Spices for homemade chai spice

Chai spices not only taste good and leave you with nice warm and cozy feelings; its spices are known to have some impressive properties:
[I’ve just added the ingredients I use for this homemade chai spice mix. Click on the names and links if you want to see the sources of this information]

  • Cinnamon
    This everyone’s-favorite-spice contains powerful antioxidants and may have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests that cinnamon may also have anti-inflammatory effects in parts of the brain, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and present some antitumor properties.
  • Cardamom
    Did you know this is one of the most expensive spices on the market? It turns out, cardamom isn’t only worth for its intense, slightly fresh yet sweet flavor, but also for important health benefits: it may lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and fight mouth bacteria, inflammation and cancer cells. Some research also suggest that it may relieve stomach issues, including ulcers, treat infections and improve breathing.
  • Ginger
    This sharp and purgent root (or it’s dried, powdered version) may help improve digestion, relieve pain and reduce some inflammation. It may also have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  • Cloves
    This intently aromatic, slightly bitter spice surprises by being the best antioxidant known. It also offers high beta carotene contents and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies also suggest that cloves can protect the stomach against ulcers also improve liver function.
  • Nutmeg
    This warm, nutty-like tasting spice may also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Some research concludes that it also could boost mood and libido.
  • Vanilla
    This heavenly spice with wonderful sweet scent and taste also offer some health benefits: vanilla’s scent has calming effects, its antioxidants may have healing effects, and it can ease toothache. Also, vanilla is great for those looking to cut down on their sugar intake.

Isn’t chai spices worth its weight in gold?

How to use chai spices

I once heard something I liked: you can add chai spices everywhere you would use cinnamon.
And it’s quite true!
Masala chai spice mix remembers of cinnamon but with more zing and fresh undertones that add another dimension to food and drinks.

Here are some of my favorite recipes that show how easy (and tasty) it’s to incorporate this blend in your daily life during autumn days, on cold winter nights or in summer… it’s delicious all year round!

Drink with avocado and chai spices

How to mix your own chai spice blend

You can always mix some spices every time you want something chai spiced, but if you enjoy often this comforting taste, why not mixing up a batch so you can get the PERFECT blend of masala chai spice every time?
Mixing DIY spices blends it’s somehow relaxing, really easy and cost-effective compared to buying premade ones. It’s totally worth it!

To make your own premade chai spice mix, you just have to gather following spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, nutmeg and vanilla.
Then put them in a spice jar or any other small, airtight container. That’s all!

I use ground spices, for this chai spice recipe, but if prefer to use a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods or any other whole spices, you’ll just have to mill them, for example with a spice grinder.

Bellow at the recipe card you can see the exact amounts I use for this mild homemade spice blend.
If you look for something spicier, I suggest adding more ginger and some pepper.
Also, you can try adding a little bit more of one of the spices if you like one of them more than others.

Homemade chai spice mix
5 from 3 votes

Homemade chai spices mix

How to make your own mild blend of this delicious flavor
Print Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Equipment

  • Small container for roughly 1,5 oz. spices

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (3 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom (3 teaspoons)
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla powder
  • a pinch of ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  • Gather the spices in an airtight small container.
    Spices for chai
  • Mix carefully (for example, with the narrow end of a teaspoon) and use at your convenience.
    Creamy avocado smoothie with chai spice

Notes

This recipe makes around 18-20 teaspoons chai spices and fills a 1,5 oz. spice container almost to the top (if you don’t press the powder).

Nutrition

Calories: 7kcal
Course: Tea
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: cold drink, hot drink, spices, tea
Servings: 18 Teaspoons
Calories: 7kcal

Summary

  • Masala is a good-for-you blend of spices that gives chai latte its characteristic flavor.
  • There is no “just one” recipe for chai spice, but it usually contains cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clover, nutmeg and peppercorn.
  • Making your own chai spices blend is easy and it allows you to adapt it to suit your taste. Our recipe is on the mild side, so almost everyone enjoys it; if you love spicier flavors, we recommend adding slightly more ginger and pepper.

I hope you enjoy this mild blend as much as we do. If you enjoy chai flavor, don’t just get a random blend at the store: mix your own spices to make it taste even more delicious!

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This mix seems to be so easy to prepare and how nice to know that all the ingredients are so healthy!
    This quantity is usually for how many cups?
    I guess it depends on how much you put in every cup but for example how much do you use this mix in a cup?
    Where should I store this mix to keep all the flavors and good nutrient effects without problems?
    Is it better to keep it in a fridge, freezer…?
    Thank you very much.

    1. 5 stars
      Thank you so much for reading with such interest. It makes me really happy to see this recipe sparks your curiosity.
      This chai mix blend makes about 18-20 teaspoons.
      I use roughly so much as I would use cinnamon: if I feel like having something tastier, I use almost a teaspoon per cup. But if I am using it for my kids, I just sparkle a little of it, or use at most half a teaspoon for a cup. That’s how I use it for example for this chai smoothie.
      About storage: since it’s powdered, I would avoid putting it in a bag, but any small container works.
      I put my spice mix in a small empty spices glass (for 50-60 gr.).
      We store it on a kitchen cabinet, but if you have place on the refrigerator, freezing it’s the best way to keep your spices fresh for longer.

5 from 3 votes

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