Cinnamon Chai

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There’s something about the aroma of cinnamon and spices wafting through the air that instantly makes you feel at home. If you’re looking for a soothing, flavorful drink to usher in the cozy season, or just to elevate your afternoon tea ritual, Cinnamon Chai is your new go-to. Made with whole spices, black tea, and creamy milk, this drink is both grounding and energizing, with a spicy-sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.

This homemade cinnamon chai is warm, creamy, and perfectly spiced for slow mornings or relaxing afternoons. If you enjoy this, you might also like my lavender chamomile tea, iced pumpkin chai tea latte, or iced matcha chai tea.

What Is Cinnamon Chai?

“Chai” means “tea” in many parts of the world, but here in the West, it typically refers to masala chai, a spiced Indian tea made with black tea leaves, milk, and warming spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, and of course, cinnamon.

Cinnamon chai puts a stronger focus on the sweet, woody flavor of cinnamon, making it a bit more mellow than traditional masala chai but still very rich. The result is a fragrant, comforting beverage with just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of cinnamon chai is that it’s made with pantry staples, yet feels like a luxurious treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cinnamon sticks – The star of the show. Choose Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, more delicate flavor or cassia cinnamon for a bolder kick.
• Black tea – Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast work well. Loose-leaf or bagged is fine.
• Fresh ginger – Optional, but adds a warm zing.
• Whole cloves – Just a couple go a long way.
• Cardamom pods – Balances out the cinnamon with a floral, citrusy note.
• Milk – Whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk
• Water
• Sweetener – Honey, maple syrup, or sugar, depending on your taste.

How to Make Cinnamon Chai at Home

This homemade cinnamon chai comes together in about 15 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step:

Turn Cinnamon Chai into a Syrup for Coffee or Matcha

Want to enjoy the cozy flavor of cinnamon chai in more than just tea? You can easily turn this recipe into a cinnamon chai syrup, perfect for adding a sweet, spiced twist to coffee, lattes, or matcha.

Here’s how to make it:

Cinnamon Chai Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 whole cloves
• 2–3 slices fresh ginger (optional)
• 2 black tea bags or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea
• 1 cup sugar or honey

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sweetener, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the tea and simmer for another 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, strain out the solids, and return the spiced tea to the saucepan.
4. Let cool, then pour into a clean jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

This syrup captures all the depth of traditional cinnamon chai in a syrup form, making it easy to bring a yummy flavor to your daily drinks.

Cinnamon Chai Tips & Variations

• Use whole spices when possible. They release flavor more slowly and cleanly than ground spices.
• Batch brew it. Make a larger amount by doubling the recipe and storing leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Make it iced. Let your chai cool, then pour over ice for a refreshing twist.
• Add espresso. Make a “dirty” chai latte by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso.
• Go dairy-free. Oat milk froths beautifully and has a neutral taste that pairs well with chai.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Chai

• Naturally warming – Perfect for chilly mornings or cozy evenings.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice, sweetness, and milk to suit your preferences.
• No fancy tools required – Just a saucepan, strainer, and a mug.

Printable Recipe: Cinnamon Chai

Cinnamon Chai

Yield: 2 drinks

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Simmer Time: 7 minutes

Additional Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Warm, spiced, and easy to make—this homemade cinnamon chai combines black tea, milk, and cinnamon for a cozy drink you’ll love any time of year.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 whole cloves
• 2–3 slices of fresh ginger (optional)
• 2 tsp loose black tea or 2 black tea bags
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1–2 tsp sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)

Instructions

1. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger to a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Add tea and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour in milk and sweetener. Simmer until hot.
5. Strain into mugs and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1055Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 221gFiber: 24gSugar: 36gProtein: 29g

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Final Thoughts

Cinnamon chai is more than just a drink; it’s a ritual. It’s the few quiet minutes you take to warm your hands on a mug, to slow down, and to savor something made with intention. Whether you enjoy it as a daily comfort or a seasonal treat, this simple cinnamon chai recipe invites you to pause and enjoy the present moment.

Ready to cozy up? Brew a mug, light a candle, and enjoy the peace that comes with a perfectly steeped cup of chai.