Savor the warmth and aromatic richness of our Easy Caramel Chai, a refreshing homemade beverage that effortlessly blends the bold flavors of traditional masala chai with the sweet charm of caramel.
This Caramel Masala Chai Or Spiced Chai Latte is a perfectly comforting and aromatic treat for all your taste senses.
Making this chai at home is a breeze! With this elegant and easy-to-make recipe, now you can hold your cup of warmth in just a few minutes.
Understanding dining customs helps you show respect and appreciation for different cultures.
Table of contents
On this page, you will get a step-by-step picture and video recipe guide to make the perfect caramel chai at home!
About Caramel Chai
Caramel chai is a classic twist on your regular masala chai. It would certainly enhance your daily chai or tea ritual. Now with this easy recipe, immerse yourself in the aesthetic pleasure of Homemade Caramel Chai, where each ingredient is carefully chosen to craft a beautiful blend of flavors.
Each sip of this Caramel Chai Latte is a sensory journey where you experience the delightful merge of robust black tea, Indian chai spices, creamy milk, and the sweet cuddle of velvety caramel sweetness.
This aromatic fusion of spiced caramel masala chai drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a comforting drink, it’s a phenomenon, a warm hug for your taste glands, a quintessential drink for snuggling up with a good book or enjoying a quiet moment.
Made using your regular chai ingredients, this chai recipe is a standout choice for chai enthusiasts. It is a vegetarian drink, but you can convert it; it is very versatile and can be made vegan using dairy-free milk alternatives.
This warm beverage brings together the earthy notes of black tea with the snugness of black peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.
Love exploring new chai flavors like rose masala chai, kesar chai? Then you should undoubtedly love trying this caramel chai recipe.
This Caramel Chai
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is a cozy and comforting drink
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fills coziness into your soul
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elevates traditional chai flavors
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has the warmth of autumn spices
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can be customized according to your dietary preferences
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every sip is a luxurious experience
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ideal for cold days
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tastes aromatic and delicious
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has a sweet and spiced caramel twist
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adds a touch of indulgence
Ingredients:
- Black tea: Aromatic Black Tea is an essential ingredient as it is used as a base for this caramel chai recipe. The strong flavors of black tea are a sturdy canvas for the infusion of spices and caramel sweetness. Here, you can use tea bags or loose tea leaves.
They both work just fine.
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Milk: It is the next main ingredient of this Indian-style caramel masala chai recipe. I have used regular semi-skimmed milk here. You can use full-fat milk for a rich taste and texture, but avoid using fat-free milk as the fat in milk adds creaminess to this chai drink. Also, to make it vegan, you can try using dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each variety of milk brings a unique texture and flavor to this chai.
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Sugar: It is added for sweetness and to make caramel. I have used white sugar here; you can also use crystal sugar or brown sugar for making caramel.
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Chai Spices: I have used basic chai spices for adding an aromatic touch. The spices I have used here are black peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, giving it the essence of traditional chai.
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Ginger: It is another essential ingredient for masala chai as it adds the zesty touch, earthiness, and warmth to the chai. Ginger in chai latte tastes really exceptional.
Variations
Vegan Caramel Chai Latte:
To make a vegan or plant-based version of this recipe, you need to swap regular dairy milk with any non-dairy alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Caramel Mint Chai:
For this version, add a handful of crushed or torn chai leaves to the pan along with the spices. Follow the same recipe for this chai.
Caramel Fennel Chai:
Love the taste of fennel in chai? Then you can add 1 tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds to the pan and boil it with tea leaves and spices.
Rose Caramel Masala Chai:
For this rose variation, you need to add a handful of dried rose petals along with the tea leaves and follow the same instructions.
Storage Suggestions
Chai tastes best when served hot straight out of the pan. If you want to store the batch for up to a week, then I would suggest you make the tea concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Whenever you want to drink this chai, boil it with milk, and your chai is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Caramel Chai goes well with any of your favorite snacks like samosa, aloo tikki, Dahi Ke Kabab , bread chaat, Indori poha, onion pakoda, and many more. Or for a daily tea-time, you can simply have it with some of your favorite crackers or cookies.
Professional Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Caramel Chai
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Precision in Black Tea Brewing: Make sure that you brew your black tea leaves strong to stand up to the bold chai spices and caramel sweetness. Steeping them for the right duration helps in extracting the strong essence without letting it become overly bitter.
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Choose Quality Ingredients: When making chai at home, you need to make sure that you are using good quality black tea leaves and fresh spices as they give the best flavor.
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Use Fresh Ginger: For the best zesty kick from ginger, you need to either crush or grate the fresh ginger root. Don’t substitute ginger powder; it won’t give that distinct ginger flavor.
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Frothing: You can also add some milk froth for a café-style chai latte look. The luxuriously creamy texture on top certainly enhances the overall chai experience.
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Balancing the Caramel-to-Chai Ratio: This chai recipe makes a sweet tea but not overly sweet. So, when making caramel, feel free to add sugar according to your taste.
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Customizing Spice Levels: If you don’t prefer a particular spice, then feel free to omit it from the recipe. Or, if you want a milder spicy taste, then add fewer spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also increase the amount of a spice; for example, if you like a bolder cinnamon kick or a delicate hint of cardamom, then feel free to adjust quantities.
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Milk Alternatives: You can experiment with milk alternatives for a different taste, texture, and flavor. In this recipe, other than cow or buffalo milk, you can opt for almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk.
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Taste and Adjust: Right before straining the chai, you can taste and adjust it to your taste to ensure a perfectly tailored beverage.
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Garnish: This chai doesn’t need any garnish, but if you are feeling fancy, then add a sprig of mint or tulsi leaves or sprinkle the top with some ground cinnamon.
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Temperature Matters: Make sure that you serve this chai piping hot for the best experience. If for some reason your tea has gotten cold, then simply reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and your refreshing tea is ready.
FAQ
Q: Can I use decaffeinated black tea for this Caramel Chai Latte?*
A: Yes, you can use decaffeinated black tea if you prefer a decaffeinated option. The aromatic spices and caramel infusion will still make a delightful, flavorful, and comforting hot beverage.
Q: Can I add store-bought caramel syrup to this chai?*
A: Yes, you can. For this type of chai, skip the sugar melting part, and add the caramel syrup to the cups after straining the chai.
Q: Can I make a larger batch and refrigerate it for later use?*
A: You cannot store this chai after adding milk. So make the concentrated chai base without the milk and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to drink, boil it with milk, and your quick and convenient Caramel Chai Latte is ready to be devoured.
Q4: Can I use sweetened condensed milk for a richer flavor?*
A: Oh, you can definitely do that for a rich and velvety sweetness. Use the sweetened condensed milk for making caramel and follow the same recipe. Adjust the quantity of condensed milk based on your desired level of sweetness.
Q5: Can I make iced Caramel Chai Latte?*
A: Absolutely, you can do that. For making iced Caramel Chai Latte, simply brew a concentrated chai, let it cool. Once cooled, then pour it over ice with cold milk for a refreshing taste.
Q6: Can I make Caramel Chai without black tea?*
A: Black tea is traditional for making masala chai, but you can surely experiment with other tea flavors of your choice.
Q: How can I make a stronger chai flavor without increasing bitterness?*
A: To intensify the chai flavor without bitterness, increase the quantity of chai spices or let the tea steep for a longer duration. Keep an eye on it to make sure that you do not over-extract.
Q: Can I make a non-dairy version of this Caramel Chai Latte?*
A: Yes, making a plant-based masala chai is possible. You can use any of your favorite dairy-free milk alternatives such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Each variety of milk gives its special creaminess and flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Caramel Chai Latte?
A: You can reheat leftover chai latte on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat, simply give it a boil while stirring occasionally to maintain the consistency. In the microwave, boil for 30 seconds, stir, and boil for 30 seconds more if needed.
Caramel Chai (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to make Caramel Chai
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar to the pan. Let the sugar melt gradually. Rotate the pan occasionally or use a wooden spatula/spoon to stir. The sugar will clump at first, but keep stirring until it becomes completely liquid.
- Once the sugar has melted and turned a golden amber color, add water immediately and stir well. Add the black tea bags or loose tea leaves to the water. In a mortar and pestle, crush ginger, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Once the chai masala is ready, add it to the pan. Bring the water to a boil. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Once the tea is steeped, add the milk to the pan. Stir well and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the milk. Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves. Pour the caramel masala chai into mugs. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade caramel chai!
Recipe Card
Caramel Chai [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 12 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Drinks | Indian | 3 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 105 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Caramel Chai
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons granulated/crystal sugar
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk)
- 2 tablespoons loose tea leaves or 3-4 black tea bags
- 1/2-inch cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 4-5 black peppercorns
- 2-3 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea or 2-3 tea bags
- 2-3 tablespoons caramel syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar or to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to make Caramel Chai
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar to the pan. Let the sugar melt gradually. Rotate the pan occasionally or use a wooden spatula/spoon to stir. The sugar will clump at first, but keep stirring until it becomes completely liquid.
- Once the sugar has melted and turned a golden amber color, add water immediately and stir well. Add the black tea bags or loose tea leaves to the water. In a mortar and pestle, crush ginger, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Once the chai masala is ready, add it to the pan. Bring the water to a boil. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Once the tea is steeped, add the milk to the pan. Stir well and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the milk. Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves. Pour the caramel masala chai into mugs. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade caramel chai!
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Make sure that you brew your black tea leaves strong to stand up to the bold chai spices and caramel sweetness. Steeping them for the right duration helps in extracting the strong essence without letting it become overly bitter.
- When making chai at home, you need to make sure that you are using good quality black tea leaves and fresh spices as they give the best flavor.
- For the best zesty kick from ginger, you need to either crush or grate the fresh ginger root. Don't substitute ginger powder; it won't give that distinct ginger flavor.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/caramel-chai/