Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant black tea brewed with fresh ginger and saffron strands, offering a soothing and aromatic beverage inspired by Kashmiri tradition. This indian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 17 minutes brings together water, black tea leaves, fresh ginger, thinly sliced 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp thinly sliced fresh ginger and 10 saffron strands to the boiling water; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp black tea leaves and 2 tsp sugar to the saucepan, stirring gently; simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup milk and increase heat to medium; bring the tea to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat to avoid overflow.
  5. Step 5: Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into cups and serve hot for a comforting Kashmiri-inspired experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea?

Refrigerate any leftover kashmiri-style ginger and saffron tea 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 Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea?

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 Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea 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 Kashmiri-Style Ginger and Saffron Tea?

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.

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