I’ve come to really love chai over the years. I used to work at a raw food restaurant, and their chai spice mix was my favourite thing ever. Until recently I had never actually made it myself (because I typically just drink pre-made chai tea!) but it is so easy, and once you’ve got yourself a jar, you’ll throw it in everything.
There are dozens of variations of chai spice mix. The basics include cinnamon, ginger and cardamom, but can stretch as far as including nutmeg, lemongrass, and black pepper. I like to keep mine fairly basic, and it includes these 5:
Cinnamon
Ginger
Cardamom
Allspice
Cloves
I also like to call the measurements my 5-4-3-2-1 measurements. I completely made that up, but basically, the main ingredient is cinnamon and the smallest ingredient is cloves. Feel free to modify this blend to your tastes – I particularly LOVE cardamom, so I make this a more prominent spice.
DIY 5-Ingredient Chai Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to small bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
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Transfer to small airtight jar and store in cool, dry place.
Recipe Notes
This chai blend will stay fresh for months and months! For optimal freshness, store in refrigerator.
A spoonful or two of this chai spice mix can be used in so many recipes! I love it in my Spicy Chai Smoothie, or even just mixed in with some warm coconut milk and honey.
The best part is, this chai spice mix is not only explosively flavourful, but yields an array of health benefits.
Health Benefits of Chai Spice
Cinnamon: Very anti-bacterial and helps balance blood sugar
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, helps stimulates digestion and is great for nausea
Cloves: Anti-fungal and anti-microbial
Because these spices provide so much antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support, they’re great for cold & flu season! Food is medicine.
Hello,
I love chai and had no idea I could make my own. But quick question, I only see 4 ingredients in your DIY 5 Ingredient Chai. I believe you are missing the allspice?
Hey Kara! Oh no — somehow I left the allspice out! Haha thank you for noticing that, I’ve updated it. Enjoy! So easy to make 🙂