Winter Chai Blend

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There is something about winter that makes a cup of chai feel cozier than any other time of year! Growing up, my mom always changed our chai with the seasons. In the summer she kept it light and floral, but in the winter chai blend, she leaned into warmth. Ginger for heat, cinnamon for comfort, star anise for sweetness, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg to round everything out!

I didn’t realize until I was older how rooted this ritual was in Ayurveda. Winter chai wasn’t just “spiced chai.” It was intentionally warming, grounding, and soothing, made to balance the cold and boost your immunity to keep away those winter colds. Now that I’m older, I find myself doing the exact same thing, switching up my blend as soon as the temperature drops and reaching for the spices that my mom would reach for.

Winter spices aren’t just flavorful, they’re functional. Ginger boosts circulation, cinnamon adds gentle heat, nutmeg is good for relaxation/calmness, and star anise is anti-inflammatory and antiviral!

You can play with ratios depending on your mood! Add extra ginger if you want more heat or add a little more cinnamon for sweetness.

Flat-lay of bowls filled with winter chai blend ingredients, including dried ginger, cardamom, cinnamon pieces, cinnamon leaves, nutmeg, and CTC tea.

Here’s what I use:

CTC Tea: This is the traditional strong black tea used in Indian chai. It holds up beautifully to spices and milk, hot or iced.
Cardamom Pods: Cardamom keeps a warming chai from becoming too heavy by bringing cooling clarity and digestive support.
Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is considered warming in Ayruveda. It creates deep inner warmth, which is ideal for winter and cold weather.
Star Anise: It brings a soothing, aromatic warmth perfect for winter and enhances lung health.
Cinnamon Leaves: Cinnamon leaves add subtle earthy warmth that complements heavier spices without overpowering and supports digestion
Ginger: Warm spice that aids immunity and brings warmth to the body
Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds grounding calm and is wonderful for evening chai and cold winter nights.

Detailed close-up of winter chai blend ingredients showing star anise, dried ginger, cinnamon leaves, and CTC tea leaves in a mixing bowl.

How to Use Your Winter Chai Blend

For Iced Chai:

Simmer 1 tbsp of your summer chai blend with 1/4 cup water and choice of sweetener. Simmer and add 3/4 cup milk, simmer and strain.
Strain, cool, and pour over ice.

For Hot Chai:

Brew as you would traditional masala chai, adjusting the milk and sweetness.

Making your own winter chai blend is a simple way to bring tradition, flavor, and a touch of Ayurvedic balance into your daily tea ritual! Also make sure to check out my summer chai blend as well!