Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai
A rich and aromatic chai drink infused with Ethiopian coffee spices and a hint of dark chocolate for a comforting twist. This ethiopian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together water, black tea leaves, Ethiopian coffee beans, crushed 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 180 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tsp Ethiopian coffee beans, crushed
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
- 4, crushed cardamom pods
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 inch, sliced fresh ginger
- 1 oz, chopped dark chocolate
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp honey
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 2 tsp black tea leaves, 1 tsp crushed Ethiopian coffee beans, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 3 whole cloves, and 1 inch sliced fresh ginger. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and strain the spiced tea mixture into a clean pot, discarding solids.
- Step 3: Return strained tea to medium heat, add 1 oz chopped dark chocolate, stirring constantly until melted and fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup whole milk and 2 tbsp honey, warming the chai for 3-4 minutes until hot but not boiling.
- Step 5: Pour into mugs and serve immediately for a warming, spiced beverage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai?
Refrigerate any leftover ethiopian coffee-spiced chocolate chai 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai?
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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chai?
Ethiopian 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.
