Let’s talk about Masala Chai!
Chai actual means tea. Masala means spices. Easy.
People adore the fragrant, soul-nurturing infusion of a good chai that permeates to the core. It can warm you up in the depths of winter, keeping you bright in the summer. It ensures that your mind stays sharp whilst imparting a relaxed sense of wellness… it’s no wonder it is so popular.
The idea here is to use a heart-warming medley of warming spices, that want to dance and entwine together, becoming a delightful feast for all of the senses.
Rooibos is caffeine free
I am using rooibos tea in this recipe because it is caffeine free. It traditionally comes from South Africa and is now widely available in health food stores and good supermarkets.
Rooibos (also known as Red Bush) has a delicious flavour.
You could also use green tea, white tea or regular black tea in its place if you don’t mind the caffeine.
Ingredient shopping list for Masala Chai?
The ingredients should be available from any good health food or herb shop. They are also abundantly and easily available online. I sometimes even find it easier and less expensive to buy them online. I’ve posted a few links here with helpful suggestions of what you might buy…
USA Ingredients online shopping list:
Whole green cardamom pods 3.5 oz
Cinnamon Sticks – Organic 0.85 oz
UK Ingredient online shopping list:
Cinnamon Sticks – Organic Fairtrade 52g
Cloves Whole – Organic Fairtrade 35g
Coconut Blossom Sugar – Organic 1kg
My Masala Chai Video (with health benefits & tutorial)
OK let’s do this…

Masala Chai Rooibos 'Tea' Recipe
A delightful medley of warming nurturing spices to make your own masala chai rooibos tea.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of water
- 20 cardamom pods
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 heaped teaspoon fennel
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon rooibos tea
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
Instructions
See my video for a tutorial first!
Crush cardamom pods, pepper corns, fennel and cloves using a heavy pestle & mortar. (Note: If you don't have a good pestle and mortar try a different method by first removing the skins off the cardamom; getting a large chopping board and a sharp heavy knife; and then repeatedly chopping over and over again these spices).
Break up the cinnamon stick.
Finely grate the ginger (skin removed).
Finely grate the nutmeg.
Add the rooibos tea and coconut sugar.
Bring pan, with all ingredients added, to the boil and then allow to simmer for 20 minutes. It's ready to drink. Strain with a tea strainer and enjoy immediately. Alternatively allow it to keep infusing and reheat whenever you want it. This will last for days. Simply store in a glass container in the fridge and reheat when required.
***Watch my video above for more tips, health benefits and other suggestions and more masala chai guidance***
This is just SO beautiful and chai teas are my favorite Trinity! I also love your video so much, I really enjoy watching you on camera! I need to make this and get the ingredients whole!
Oh wonderful! It’s so rewarding to make your own, really connecting with every spice and making it unique for you.
This is delicious! Ever so tasty!
Just a thought, but you could use red raspberry leaf as alternative to black tea, for similar taste without caffeine, but with a lot of nutritional benefits.
That’s a great idea – I haven’t have red raspberry leaf for 18 years now since I was pregnant. I remember really loving it.
To be honest, you could also leave the black tea or it’s alternatives out altogether and it would still be delicious.