Save money and make a chai at home instead.
What exactly is chai?
“Chai” is the term used to describe black tea that originates in India. When translated, “chai” literally means “tea”.
Over time, chai has become a beverage that many enjoy everyday. It’s supposed to have originated 5,000-9,000 years ago, and since then has been drunk completely incorrectly.
In the 1800s, the British camped at tea farms in Assam where they first stumbled upon masala chai. Since then, it has travelled across the world. Made up of three components (the tea, milk and the spices), chai’s base is black tea made with freshly-ground ginger and spices. It can sometimes be mixed with other traditional Indian teas for extra aroma and flavour. The milk adds a creamy taste that enhances the chai flavour.
Any spices can be added to chai – the most common spice being cardamom. In comparison, the chai we taste in lattes today is created from a syrup concentration, rather than freshly ground ingredients.
What is a chai latte?
A chai latte is a mixture of black tea, foamed milk and spices. Similar to how chai is traditionally drunk, chai lattes are altered depending on the taste of the drinker.
Modern baristas have taken the foundation of traditional chai, and transformed it into a familiar taste and look for fast coffee drinkers. In present day, our chai latte is created by steeped Assam black tea in milk, instead of the original way, in water.
Traditionally, chai would be sweetened with extra teas or natural sweeteners like sugarcane or honey. However, the sweet milky taste we experience today, comes from additional syrups and sugars.
Is chai latte coffee?
No, a chai latte is not a coffee. The misconception arises because chai is served in cafes alongside coffee. We think of a chai latte as a coffee latte because of its frothy milk and creamy texture. But there is no addition of any kind of espresso in a chai, so it’s not a latte.
Many cafes use chai syrup or sweeteners instead of combining ingredients to create a true chai taste.
How to save money by making your own chai
Today, we’re able to enjoy chai lattes from the comfort of our homes and save money in the process. This recipe for chai tea syrup can be used to make a few cups of chai at home. Keeping a bottle in the fridge can help you save money, especially when everyone in the family wants a cafe-style chai. You can also drizzle it over porridge!
You can also use this syrup in cocktails, milkshakes and frappes. If you love a cool chai, add ice to the mix.
If you’re looking for a twist on original chai, try this golden turmeric chai recipe which is full of delicious, warming spices.
This chai hot chocolate mix is another alternative you can make at home and will probably be a hit with kids and teens. It’s also not as sweet as store-bought chai or chocolate mixes and it makes a great gift!
You can use chai spices in a variety of recipes
Don’t forget chai flavours can impart a delicious flavour to many different recipes. Our Chai spiced custard apple crumble tart is an example.
You can also use chai spices in savoury dishes. This Chai roasted pumpkin soup with honey walnuts is a delicious warming alternative to traditional pumpkin soup.
More ways to use spices
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