Name: Homemade Chai Spice Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cardamon; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground cloves

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This easy 6-ingredient recipe uses pre-ground spices for a quick and well-balanced Chai Spice Mix. It’s perfect for making authentic Masala chai tea at home but also a versatile blend that adds warmth and flavor to other spiced sweet, or savory dishes. A must-have in your from-scratch spice collection!

A jar of homemade Masala chai spice mix next to whole ingredients and a small spoon.

This homemade chai mix is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to adjust the spice ratios to suit your taste preferences. Want a spicier chai? Add a touch more black pepper or ginger. Prefer a sweeter chai? Increase the ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

Think beyond just chai tea thanks to its complex, warm, sweet, and spicy flavors. Use it instead of pumpkin spice in lattes or make chai hot chocolate, sprinkle it over apple crumble bars, or add a pinch to savory dishes such as curries.

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Homemade Chai Spice Mix

Caro Jensen

This easy chai spice mix is perfect for making delicious chai tea at home but also a versatile blend to add warmth and flavor to other sweet or savory dishes.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Staples

Cuisine American, Indian

Servings tablespoons

Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger, 3 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp ground cardamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Use 1/2 teaspoon of the chai mix per cup of hot water or milk. This will give your drinks a spiced flavor without being overpowering.

Notes

Freshness is key: For the most vibrant flavor, use the freshest ground spices possible.

Store it right: Store your homemade chai spice mix it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like your spice rack or pantry. This will help preserve its flavor and aroma for several months.

Label it: Clearly label your homemade Masala Chai Spice Mix with the date so you can easily track its freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 297mgFiber: 16gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 5mg

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Ingredients and substitutions

Ground spices in little bowls laid out next to whole spices.

If you don’t have pre-ground spices, you can use whole spices of the following ingredients: Nutmeg, cloves, green cardamom pods (use the seeds only), and black pepper. Grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle (you’ll need patience for this!) or a spice grinder for the finest ground.

I don’t recommend using fresh ginger or cinnamon sticks, use the ground versions only.

Variations

Vanilla chai: Add a touch of sweetness and warmth and add 1/2 teaspoon ground vanilla bean to your spice mix.
Pumpkin spice chai: Add 1/2 tsp of ground allspice for this fall-inspired twist.
Chai latte mix: Add some milk powder to create an instant chai latte using your favorite black tea.

How to use chai spice mix

This recipe yields a small batch of chai spice mix (about 6 tablespoons total).

Chai tea latte: Steep your favorite black tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Use black tea, typically Assam for a strong base, or Darjeeling for a lighter option. Add 1/2 teaspoon of this chai spice mix for the last minute. Remove the tea bag and add hot milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a comforting and flavorful chai latte. Sweeten to taste with brown sugar, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener.

Spiced hot drinks: Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon depending on the intensity you’re after to hot milk, your favorite coffee, chai hot chocolate, or make a spiced winter tea.

Sweet treats: Add 1-2 tsp of chai spice mix to spiced honey cakes or apple carrot muffins, homemade waffles, stewed apples and pears for a warm and inviting flavor twist.

Savory dishes: This chai spice mix can add a warm, aromatic twist to savory dishes like my lamb curry, roast vegetables including pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, and lentil stews.

Food gift: If you have a spice lover in your life, this homemade blend makes a thoughtful food gift.