There is nothing unique like Chai.
Its comforting glass of deliciousness has revitalised and relaxed Asians for generations. The word refers simply to tea, but in reality involves myriad flavours, textures, aromas and traditions.
Chai is fun, it is natural goodness and it is personal. Be it on a cold chilly day or a warm breezy evening, chai is perfect for all occasions!
It can be taken hot, chilled, infused with herbs, spices, rum, cognac or gin, but the most important ingredient is you. And there is only one rule in brewing your own chai, and that is the respect for tea!
Source: Dilmah School of Tea Alumni
Merril J. Fernando is the ‘Dedicated Founder’ of Dilmah Tea who has experienced everything that is special about tea – the diversity of its taste, its purity, the sublime influence of nature on every aspect of tea, its natural goodness, and importantly the millions of lives that depend on tea.
“For centuries, problems of mankind have been solved over a cup of tea whether they were problems between nations, amongst businesses, even in families, between husbands and wives, tea has been the soothing balm that helped their solution.
“The simple act of pouring a cup of tea is, in itself, an ice-breaker, providing pleasurable anticipation of the goodness that is to follow.
“I have dedicated my life towards providing that cup: not only to solve problems but to add sunshine, to our day, with every sip of Dilmah.”
These 7 recipes are developed with Dilmah Tea Sommelier, Robert Schinkel and the recipes express the cultural, sustainable and personal dimensions of chai.
Let’s indulge in these recipes and enjoy your own cup of fragrant chai!
1. Lavender Chai
Bergamot and lavender are great companions in a drink. Classic Earl Grey tea with the addition of rosemary and thyme makes this chai very European.
Ingredients:
- 160 ml Earl Grey (5 minute brew)
- 80 ml Full cream milk
- 20 ml lavender syrup/honey
- Pinch of ground dried rosemary
- Pinch of ground dried thyme
Method:
- Add the ground spices to a teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Sweeten the tea with the syrup of the honey
- Add the milk and air the tea
- Pour into a large coupe glass and garnish with dried lavender
2. Breakfast Chai
Breakfast in a cup with lemon curd, honey and orange marmalade gives the chai a citrus sweetness while the spices add a little kick to the drink.
The strong full-bodied character of the breakfast tea brings balance and depth to the cup. Serve with buttered toast on the side.
Ingredients:
- 160 ml English Breakfast (5 minute brew)
- 80 ml Full cream milk (warm)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon curd
- 1 teaspoon of orange marmalade
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Pinch of ground aniseed
- Pinch of white pepper
- Pinch of cinnamon
Method:
- Add the spices to a teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Sweeten the tea with the curd, the marmalade, and the honey
- Add the milk and air the chai
- Pour into a teacup
3. Chinese Chai
Chinese five spices are mostly used in the kitchen, this chai proves it can work perfectly in the bar as well!
Ingredients:
- 200 ml English Breakfast (5 minute brew)
- 40 ml condensed milk
- 60 ml Full cream milk
- Chinese 5 spices mix
- Zest of lemon
Method:
- Add the ground spices to the teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Add the milk and air the chai
- Pour into a bowl and garnish with a little ground spices
4. Valentine’s Chai
Is there a better way to express your love than showing up with roses and chocolate? The valentine’s chai is the way to capture of keep a heart.
Ingredients:
- 160 ml Rose & French Vanilla (5 minute brew)
- 60 ml condensed milk
- 80 grams of grated white chocolate
- Vanilla
Method:
- Add a little vanilla to the teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Add the grated white chocolate and the condensed milk and air the chai
- Pour into a large coupe glass and garnish with a rose leaf
5. Chamomile Chai
Chamomile and honey is a soothing combination and the ground spices add notes of citrus and a little pepper kick.
The drink is great when served warm, especially with apple pie on the side but do try the drink served over ice as well.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml Camomile (5 minute brew)
- 100 ml Full cream milk
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of ground cardamom
- Pinch of white pepper
- Bee’s honey
Method:
- Add the ground spices ot a teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Sweeten the tea with honey
- Add the milk and air the chai
- Pour into a large glass and garnish with dried chamomile flowers
6. White Chocolate Chai
This is herbal goodness covered in white chocolate. The freshness of the peppermint infusion and the creamy white chocolate milk creates a feast for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 160 ml Pure Peppermint Leave (5 minute brew)
- 80 ml Full cream milk (warm)
- 100 gram grated white chocolate
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of ground cardamom
Method:
- Add the ground spices to a teapot and brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Add the grated white chocolate and the milk and air the chai
- Pour into a martini glass and garnish with fresh raspberries and a mint top
7. Chocolate Chai
Chocolate milk, mint and chilli means creaminess, freshness and heat at the same time. Pick your chocolate as dark as you can find to add a bitter touch to the drink.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml Pure Peppermint leave (5 minute brew)
- 100 ml Full cream milk (warm)
- 100 gram grated dark chocolate
- Pinch of dried red chilli
Method:
- Brew the tea for 5 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Add the milk, the grated chocolate and the ground chilli and air the chai
- Pour into a large mug and garnish with a sprig of mint
Harmony of flavour is vitally important in designing your chai, and tea offers an infinite variety of flavours, aromas and textures to meet the character of every herb and spice, whether intense or delicate.
So, enjoy these recipes, grab a good book and sip the chai away!
Written by Fatin Zafirah
