Homemade Spiced Chai Latte Mix: Easy Masala Recipe
This easy Homemade Spiced Chai Latte Mix is the perfect blend of black tea and warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Use it to make creamy hot or iced chai lattes, or gift it in a jar for a thoughtful touch. Perfect for fall and winter!
½cuppowdered creamer60 g or coconut milk powder for a dairy-free option
1cupgranulated sugar200 g or coconut sugar
½cuploose black tea leaves30 g or 6–8 crushed black tea bags
10whole cardamom podsseeds removed and hulls discarded, or use 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 ½tablespoonsground Ceylon cinnamon10 g or crushed Ceylon cinnamon sticks using a mortar and pestle
1teaspoonground ginger2 g
½teaspoonground cloves1 g
½teaspoonground nutmeg1 g
¼teaspoonground black pepper0.5 g (optional, for extra spice)
½teaspoonground allspice1 g
2pinchesof saltapprox. 0.5 g
Instructions
To Make the Chai Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk, powdered creamer, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
Add the loose black tea leaves, cardamom seeds (remove them from the pods and discard the hulls), and all the spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, allspice, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. If using cinnamon sticks, crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. For the cardamom seeds, lightly grind them as well to release their fragrant aroma and essential oils, enhancing the flavor of the mix.
If desired, pulse the mixture in a high-speed blender or food processor to create a finer powder.
If adding a variation, mix in the additional ingredients:
For Chai-Cocoa Mix, add 1/4 c. of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
For Citrus Chai Mix, stir in 1/4 c. of finely ground dried orange zest to brighten the spices with a citrus twist.
For Vanilla Chai Mix, add 2 Tbsp. of vanilla powder or the seeds of three vanilla beans for a touch of creamy sweetness.
For Pumpkin Spice Chai: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend to the chai mix during preparation. To make the latte, prepare the chai as usual and top with a sprinkle of additional pumpkin spice for a warm, fall-inspired drink.
Once all ingredients are combined, transfer the chai mix to an airtight container or mason jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Label and Enjoy!
To Make a Cup of Chai Latte:
Heat 1 cup of milk, water, or a mix of both in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of the chai mix, adjusting the amount to taste.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices and tea to infuse fully.
If you used loose tea leaves or cardamom pods, strain the mixture into a mug using a fine mesh strainer.
Serve hot, and for an extra special touch, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a star anise pod.
For an iced version:
Combine 2–3 tablespoons of chai latte mix with 1/2 cup of hot water in a small saucepan. Stir and let simmer for 1–2 minutes to infuse the spices. Strain the mixture into a heat-safe glass or jar and let it cool to room temperature. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the cooled chai concentrate. Add 1/2 cup of cold milk (or milk of choice) and stir well. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for a refreshing, spiced treat.
Enjoy your Homemade Spiced Chai Masala Latte!
Notes
Blend for a Smooth Mix: Use a high-speed blender or food processor to create a fine powder. This ensures the chai mix dissolves evenly in liquids, giving you a creamy and smooth latte every time. **Even with blending, you’ll still need to strain the mixture after heating it in your choice of liquid. Since this recipe uses whole spices—not artificial or pre-processed ingredients—small bits of spices may settle at the bottom of your mug. Pour the latte through a fine tea strainer directly into your favorite mug for a perfectly smooth and flavorful drink. PS: you still may have a little bit of spices floating around but the taste will be worth it.Experiment with Variations: Don’t hesitate to try flavor variations like adding cocoa powder for a chai-cocoa twist or orange zest for a refreshing citrus note. These small adjustments can make the mix uniquely yours.Simmer for Full Flavor: When preparing your latte, let the chai mix simmer in the liquid for 1–2 minutes. This step allows the spices to fully infuse, resulting in a bold and aromatic drink.Customize with Milk of Choice: Use any milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Each option offers a different texture and flavor, letting you tailor the latte to your taste.These tips will help ensure your chai mix and latte turn out perfectly every time!