I used to grab a chai latte or dirty chai from coffee shops regularly — those shop-bought drinks quickly became one of my favs, even more than regular coffee. But they were getting too expensive, and often tasted overly sugary or just off. That’s when I started making my own chai latte mix at home. It’s surprisingly inexpensive and easy to put together. The result is a delicious, fragrant, and truly comforting hot drink that I can tweak to suit my palette — whether I want it more peppery, less sweet, or perfectly balanced.
Once you create your own chai powder, the uses go far beyond just the cup. I love mixing it into my regular doodh patti or adding a dash in my occasional matka chai , or even dusting it over homemade suji halwa or sheera for a spicy twist. During cool weather, I make a large batch, seal it in a jar, and scoop out what I need each day — it’s that simple.. Whether steamed with hot milk, poured over ice on a hot day, or shared in small gift pouches during Eid or family get-togethers, this chai latte powder has become a mainstay in my home, offering the rich flavor and texture of a barista-style chai — without stepping outside.
Chai Latte Powder
Ingredients:
- 5 tbsp coconut sugar (adjust if you prefer sweeter drinks)
- 4 tbsp ground ginger
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp allspice
- ¾ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: pinch of black pepper for a bolder spice hit
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp turmeric for golden chai
- Optional: 2–3 tbsp cacao powder for a chocolate twist
Recipe:
- Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl.
- Stir thoroughly until spices are evenly combined.
- For a finer texture, pulse the mix in a blender or food processor.
- Transfer to a clean, airtight jar.
- Shake the jar gently to ensure even blending.
How to Make a Chai Latte at Home
- Heat 1 cup of milk (or your favorite plant-based milk) in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chai latte powder.
- Whisk well using a spoon, small whisk, or milk frother until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy hot — or chill and serve over ice for an iced chai latte.
Tips and Tricks
- For a café-style froth, blend the hot drink in a blender for 10–15 seconds.
- Stir the powder into black tea if you want a stronger, more traditional base.
- Add it to baked goods like muffins, or sprinkle on warm halwa for a desi dessert upgrade.
- Make a large batch and store it in mini jars for gifting during Eid or cozy get-togethers.
Storage
Store the chai latte powder in an airtight glass jar at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 5 months, though the aroma naturally softens over time. For best flavor, use it within 3–4 months, and always give the jar a gentle shake before each scoop.