How to Brew Chai Blends
Brewing TipsThe process of brewing chai tea can be as simple or attention-heavy as you'd like. While many people brew chai teas as they would any other black tea blend (with boiling water and a generous steep time), the traditional method of brewing chai lends quite a bit more character to the final product.
Many people prefer to turn their chai into a creamy latte using milk or cream, though many non-dairy alternatives can highlight certain flavors while still providing the creamy consistency that so many of us love. Oat milk's grassy, earthy flavor profile pairs perfectly with chai teas like Honey Tulsi Chai No. 119 or Kashmiri Chai No. 37; likewise, the creamy, mild flavor of cashew or almond milk is an excellent (subtle) addition to our more unique chai blends, such as Banana Bread Chai No. 88 or Chocolate Chipotle Chai No. 117.
If you're the type to prefer simplicity, we've got great news! You can make just about any chai in roughly ten minutes.
First, per desired serving, bring sixteen ounces of water to a boil ~(212 °F) and measure two tablespoons of loose chai into a teapot, tea bag, or infuser while you wait. Once your water is ready, pour it over your tea, allowing it to steep for roughly five minutes. Add any sweeteners, cream, or non-dairy alternatives you'd like, and enjoy!
It's good practice to vary your tea's steep time to your personal tastes; a longer steep will form a more robust flavor and higher caffeine content, while a shorter steep will do the inverse.
Prepare a Chai Latte
If you've got a bit of extra time on your hands, there's another way to prepare your chai — and it's delicious. You'll need a high-walled saucepan or pot, a strainer, and either some high-quality milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative.
Combine equal parts (roughly eight ounces each) water and milk in your pan on medium heat until it's reached a simmer. Once small bubbles begin to form, measure two heaping tablespoons of loose tea into the pan, stirring constantly to prevent the leaves from burning and sticking to your pan. Turn the heat down slightly and allow the mixture to simmer for roughly five minutes, continuing to stir intermittently.
Taste your tea regularly — once it's to your liking, remove it from the heat.
Make it luxurious
If you like your chai to be sweet (let's be honest, who doesn't) this is where we make that happen. Stir in your favorite sweetener until it's fully dissolved. Now — this is where things get a bit more intense.
Find yourself two heat-safe cups, mugs, or (our preference) measuring cups, and grab your strainer.
Strain the chai into one of the containers, discarding the used leaves. Pour your chai between the two containers from roughly six inches in height. Repeat this process up to four times. This may seem extra, but doing this has two effects: first, you get a delightfully foamy latte; second, your drink cools down so you can sip now. It's up to you, but to us, that feels like a win-win.
Need your chai faster?
Portal Tea Chai Concentrates are as easy as 1, 2, 3! Grab your favorite chai, mix it with milk or your favorite non-dairy substitute, and go!
The Choice is Yours
Swing by the shop to take a peek and grab yourself a sample.