For Indians, tea isn’t just any ordinary drink; it’s a ritual, a go-to stress buster, and a social glue that brings people together. In a nation as diverse as India, where languages, cuisines, and customs vary from region to region, one element remains constant – the love for chai.
Tea holds a special place in the hearts of us Indians. Whether it’s the morning cuppa to kick-start the day, the evening chai break to unwind, or the midnight brew to fuel a late-night study session, tea is ever-present, offering comfort always. This is why a cup of chai is no longer just a drink; it’s a tradition passed down through generations.
While the classic masala chai, with its blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, is everyone’s fan favorite, many chai recipes are waiting to be tried!
On this International Tea Day, let’s try some new chai recipes!
Fun tea recipes to try at home!
Here are some refreshing tea recipes to treat your taste buds:
- Special iced tea: When the sun beats down and temperatures soar, nothing beats a tall glass of iced tea to cool you off. This is why you should try this special iced tea recipe on International Tea Day. Whether enjoyed plain or with fruity flavors and a hint of sweetness, iced tea is the perfect drink for hot summer days or any other day!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 4 tea bags (black or green tea)
- 1/4 cup of honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Sliced lemon, lime, or orange
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How to make this:
- Bring water to a boil in a pan.
- Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add in honey or sugar.
- Then, allow the tea to cool until it is room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with slices of lemon, lime, or orange, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Traditional Indian masala chai: Masala chai is more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that awakens the senses and warms the soul. There is a reason why this spiced tea is a staple in households across the country and is renowned for its rich, aromatic flavors. The flavour of black tea combined with the creaminess of the milk makes it the perfect chai recipe for International Tea Day!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 4-5 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- Sugar to taste
How to make this:
- First, bring water to a boil.
- Then add tea leaves, spices, and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add milk and sugar, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain the chai into cups and serve hot!
- Chamomile citrus tea: There’s nothing more relaxing than the soothing blend of chamomile citrus tea. Fragrant chamomile flowers combine with citrusy notes for a calming and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for any time of day( great for sleep, too). Whether you’re looking to de-stress after a long day or simply want to relax, this tea is a must-try for International Tea Day!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
How to make this:
- Boil the water first
- Remove from heat and add chamomile tea bags and lemon slices.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and lemon slices, and add honey or sugar if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Irani chai: If you haven’t experienced the rich and aromatic flavors of Irani chai, you are missing out on this International Tea Day. This milky tea, brewed with a blend of black tea leaves and spices, is traditionally served in small, transparent glasses and enjoyed with friends and family. Whether you are having this at a roadside cafe or brewed at home, Irani chai will surely transport the bustling streets of Iran!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- A pinch of saffron threads (if needed)
How to make this:
- Like with any other tea recipe, bring water to a boil.
- Add tea leaves, sugar, cardamom pods, and saffron threads (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add milk and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the tasty chai into cups and serve hot.
Certainly! Let’s include a recipe for Honey Ginger Tea:
- Honey ginger tea: A combination of ginger and the sweetness of honey- what better recipe than this! If nothing else, don’t forget to try this one on International Tea Day. This tea is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and relieving sore throats. Whether enjoyed as a pick-me-up on a chilly day or as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms, Honey ginger tea is always a comforting drink you can turn to!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste)
- Can also try lemon slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish
How to make this:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the ginger for 10-15 minutes to infuse the water with its flavor.
- Remove from heat and let the ginger steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into cups, discarding the ginger slices.
- Stir in honey to taste.
- You can also garnish it with lemon slices or cinnamon sticks for added flavor!
- Serve hot!
Pro Tip: Watching your favorite TV show or reading a book in your cozy spot will amplify the ambiance with your tea. Don’t forget to add some crunchy snacks to make the experience even better!
Conclusion
So, this International Tea Day, experiment with different ingredients and find the perfect tea recipe to suit your mood and taste preferences!
But even with the best recipe and ingredients, water quality is crucial. Using tap water or water with impurities and high hardness can affect the taste and flavor of your tea. That’s why you need the best water purifier for your home—DrinkPrime!
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