On a cold day or night, there is little better than snuggling up on the couch with a book and a warm drink. Sweet, spicy and o’ so comforting, chai is a favorite treat of mine during fall and winter. Unfortunately chai can be expensive, and chai tea lattes contain a lot of sugar (a Starbucks chai tea latteΒ packs in 42 grams!). Luckily, recreating chai tea lattes at home is easy. Made with a combination of milk powder, spices and instant tea, this chocolate chai mix cuts back on the sugar content while saving money.
A great indulgence for yourself, this mix is perfect for creating handmade holiday gifts. Simply transfer this mix into a bail jar or mason jar, and add this adorable (and free!) printable tag. All the recipients need to do is add hot water, 3-4 large Tablespoons of mix, and stir. Voila, delicious homemade chai tea! This recipe makes about three 8 oz. bail jars.
What You’ll Need:
3 cups non-fat dry milk powder
2 cups unsweetened instant tea
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. cardamom
1 1/2 tsp. all spice
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar* (you can halve this and just add honey later)
1 cup powdered sugar* (you can halve this and just add honey later)
ONE: In a large bowl, mix together the dry milk powder, instant tea and spices. Transfer to a blender or food processor, and blend until finely ground. This may take a few minutes!
TWO: Β Once the mixture is finely ground, there will be more space in the blender. Add powdered sugar, brown sugar and cocoa powder. Turn on blender, and blend until mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated. If necessary, turn the blender off and mix well with a spoon or spatula.
THREE: Transfer mixture to bail or mason jars. If giving as a gift, tie the labels onto the jar.
Β What is your favorite drink for fall?
I’d love to make this, but I can’t seem to find instant tea! Where do I find this? (in Canada, if that is relevant)
Hi Mariah!
We found the instant tea in the grocery store next to the coffee and regular tea bags. I believe it was Lipton instant tea, and comes in a bright yellow container. If it’s not at your grocery store, you may be able to find it online at their website. π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I bought all the ingredients except for the instant tea, the only one I can find is Lipton or Nestea lemmon flavor. Is it ok to use it or can I make it without it? Is this kind of tea you’re reffering to? I appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Hi Patricia!
For this recipe, we used Lipton unsweetened tea, so that will be just fine to use!
You can add the lemon tea as well if you’d like a little citrus in your chai. π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you Kelsey, I’ll use the lemon tea then!
You’re welcome! Have fun. π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This sounds wonderful! Now to find unsweetened instant tea… I think I’m going to use a mixture of dried milk and a majority of coconut powder! Mmmmmmmm! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Robin!
That sounds delicious! π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I am definitely making this! Out of curiosity, have you tried it without the chocolate?
Hi Lisa!
Anne-Marie brought some of this into the office, and it’s super tasty. We didn’t try it without the chocolate, but the cocoa powder ads a subtle chocolate flavor, and doesn’t overpower the chai, so I’m sure it would be delicious without it as well! π
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
I love chai. I’m also a big black tea drinker and am kind of picky about my teas. I’m not a fan of the instant powdered chai that is full of ingredients I can’t pronounce and tons of sugar, so your recipe seems like a nice alternative. I make my own concentrate, from tea leaves and fresh spices. Each cup can be sweetened to taste. Chai in India traditionally contains cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cloves. If you want to take a stab at making your own concentrate, here’s a link to my recipe. http://milesawayfarm.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/chai-hulud-the-ongoing-search-for-the-perfect-home-brewed-chai/
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks so much for sharing! π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This looks like a great Christmas gift!
How much does it make?
Or how many 8 oz bail jars will it fill?
Thanks so much!!
Hi Sly!
This recipe will fill about three 8 oz Bail Jars. π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hot white chocolate pumpkin puree drink.
Hi Emily!
Mmm, that sounds delicious!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have to say I love Chai both hot and cold.
Hi Shara!
Me too, it’s so spicy and tasty. π
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry