This homemade chai spice mix is a warm and aromatic blend of spices that can be used to flavor tea, lattes, baked goods, and more. With cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, this spice mix captures the comforting flavors of traditional chai and is perfect to keep on hand for cozy drinks and seasonal recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry spices.
- Customizable—adjust the spices to your taste.
- Versatile—great in drinks, cookies, cakes, oatmeal, or smoothies.
- Cost-effective compared to buying pre-made blends.
- Long shelf life when stored properly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Directions
- Sift together cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a small bowl.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 7 tablespoons of chai spice mix.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Sweeter blend: Add 1–2 teaspoons of granulated sugar or coconut sugar.
- Peppery kick: Add ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for a spicier chai.
- Vanilla touch: Stir in a little ground vanilla bean for added depth.
- Citrus note: Add ½ teaspoon dried orange zest for brightness.
- Caffeine pairing: Mix directly into black tea or coffee grounds before brewing.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 months.
- Keep away from heat, light, and moisture to preserve flavor.
- Stir or shake the mix before use to redistribute spices.
FAQs
What is chai spice made of?
It’s typically a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Can I make chai spice without cardamom?
Yes, though cardamom adds signature chai flavor. Increase cinnamon and ginger to balance.
How much chai spice should I use in recipes?
Start with 1–2 teaspoons per batch of baked goods or per serving of drinks, adjusting to taste.
Can I add this to coffee?
Yes, stir into coffee grounds before brewing or sprinkle directly into brewed coffee.
Is this the same as pumpkin spice?
They are similar, but chai spice includes cardamom, which pumpkin spice usually does not.
Can I use whole spices instead of ground?
Yes, grind them in a spice grinder for maximum freshness.
Can I make chai tea with this mix?
Yes, steep 1 teaspoon in hot black tea with milk and sweetener for a quick chai latte.
Is this spice mix gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your individual spices are certified gluten-free.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely, just scale up and store in a larger container.
How can I use chai spice in baking?
It’s great in cookies, cakes, muffins, pancakes, and quick breads.
Conclusion
Homemade chai spice mix is a fragrant and versatile blend that brings warmth to both drinks and baked goods. With just a few pantry staples, you can create your own chai mix that lasts for months and elevates everyday recipes with cozy, spiced flavor.
Print
Chai Spice Mix
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 7 tablespoons
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade chai spice mix is a fragrant and versatile blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for tea, lattes, baked goods, and more, this DIY chai blend is easy to make, customizable, and a cozy addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift together cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Adjust spice ratios to suit your taste—more ginger for heat, more cinnamon for sweetness.
- Add black pepper for an extra kick.
- Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and moisture.
- Shake or stir before each use to redistribute spices.
- Great for gifting in small jars with recipe cards.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spice Mix, Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 6
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
