Ginger Chai with Cardamom and Cinnamon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-21 · Updated 2026-05-21

A warming Ethiopian-style ginger chai infused with cardamom and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy evening drink. This Ethiopian-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, brings together water, black tea leaves, fresh ginger, sliced thin 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 90 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

• 3 cups water
• 2 tsp black tea leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced thin
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp thinly sliced fresh ginger, 4 crushed green cardamom pods, and 1 small cinnamon stick. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
2. Step 2: Add 2 tsp black tea leaves to the spiced water and simmer for 3 more minutes until the tea releases its color and aroma.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup milk and heat gently until the chai is hot but not boiling.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into cups.
5. Step 5: Sweeten each cup with 2 tbsp honey or to taste and serve warm for a comforting spice-infused beverage.