Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger
A warm, comforting masala chai brewed with fresh ginger and cardamom, perfect for sipping while watching Chennai’s monsoon rains. This indian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together water, whole milk, black tea leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 3, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 4 pods green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 cloves
- 4 black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 inch thinly sliced fresh ginger, 4 crushed green cardamom pods, 2 cloves, and 4 black peppercorns. Boil for 5 minutes to infuse the spices.
- Step 2: Add 2 tsp black tea leaves and simmer for 3 minutes until the tea is strong and aromatic.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup whole milk and 2 tbsp sugar, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce heat to low, simmering for 2 minutes until the chai is creamy and fragrant.
- Step 4: Strain the chai through a fine sieve into cups and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger?
Refrigerate any leftover chennai rainy day masala chai with cardamom and ginger in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chennai Rainy Day Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger?
Indian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
