• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Sweet Precision
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Baking Tips

    What Does Chai Taste Like?

    Published: May 26, 2022 · Last Updated: May 26, 2022 by Heather · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    We know what black tea and green tea taste like, so what does chai taste like? This creamy, spicy drink is made with black tea, milk, spices, and sweetener. Recipes vary from person to person, but all agree that the signature chai taste is distinct and robust. 

    chai tea in two cups with ansie stars.

    You can buy pre-made chai in bottles or bags from the store or make homemade chai tea in your own kitchen. The chai tea taste has an aromatic flavor profile and pairs well with food. It’s spicy and warm and perfect for a cold winter day. 

    Jump to:
    • What does chai taste like? 
    • Types of tea to use in chai tea lattes 
    • Sweeteners you can use in chai 
    • Different kinds of milk to use in chai 
    • What types of spices can you use in chai?
    • What other ways can I use chai?  
    • FAQs: What does chai taste like?

    What does chai taste like? 

    The ingredients in chai are different when two people make it, but the ingredients are always similar. 

    The combination of these chai spices makes this tea taste sweet, spicy, creamy, heady, complex, robust, and earthy all at the same time. 

    There are various subtle ways the flavor of chai changes based on the type of tea leaves, sweeteners, milk, and spices used.  

    Types of tea to use in chai tea lattes 

    Chai is typically made with black tea leaves. 

    Assam and Darjeeling teas are most commonly used for their milder flavor since the spices take the show in this drink. 

    You can also make it with green tea, but it won’t have quite the same punch as when brewed with black tea.  

    Sweeteners you can use in chai 

    Adding a sweetener to chai is necessary to balance the more bitter flavors of the other spices. 

    White, granulated sugar, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon are the best additions to the drink to make chai taste sweeter. 

    Add as much or as little as you like depending on how sweet you like your chai latte.  

    Different kinds of milk to use in chai 

    Milk is a delicious addition to the drink and makes chai tea foamy and creamy. 

    If you have access to a steamer, steamed milk kicks the flavor and texture up another level. 

    You can use whatever kind of milk you like, including heavy cream, half and half, skim, low-fat, whole milk, or a variety of dairy-free milk. 

    What types of spices can you use in chai?

    The spices are really what makes this drink stand out among the other teas out there. 

    Warm-flavored spices are the best combination with black tea and milk. 

    Some of the best options include ginger, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, cumin, saffron, allspice, and anise.  

    What other ways can I use chai?  

    There are various other ways to use chai before and after brewing into hot tea. Some options include using the dry tea as a spice rub on a pork shoulder. 

    Brewed tea can be combined with coffee to make a dirty chai or chilled and served over ice to make an iced chai.  

    FAQs: What does chai taste like?

    What’s the difference between masala chai and chai?

    The main difference between these two terms is the terminology. 

    Chai means “tea” in India, which is black tea leaves served with a splash of milk. 

    Masala chai means “spice” “tea” in India. This is what people in the United States commonly refer to as “chai.” 

    What does chai coffee taste like? 

    Chai latte coffee, or “dirty chai,” is coffee infused with chai tea. It has an earthy coffee flavor paired with the spice of chai.

    Can you use dairy-free milk in chai?

    Yes, you can use whichever type of milk you like best. Try almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk if you’re lactose intolerant. 

    How can I make an iced chai latte? 

    You can easily make chai cold by brewing the tea, allowing it to get cold in the refrigerator, and then pouring it over ice in a glass. 

    « Orange Zest Substitute
    Pig Pickin' Cake »

    Reader Interactions

    I answer all questions! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Image of blog creator Heather standing outdoors.

    Hi, I'm Heather!
    I am a wife and mother, baker, photographer, blogger, and cupcake lover. I've been baking from a young age. With my easy-to-follow recipe ideas, you can create delicious desserts in your home kitchen! Let's get started baking!

    More about me →

    Trending Right Now

    • Cherry Coffee Cake
    • Chewy Meringue Cookies with Blackberry Jam
    • S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Apple Praline Cake
    • Almond Cranberry Cake
    • Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with Bourbon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Meet Heather
    Recipe Index

    Newsletter

    Newsletter Signup

    Contact

    Contact Heather
    Privacy Policy

    COPYRIGHT © 2023 MY SWEET PRECISION