This post may contain affiliate links.
If you love the cozy flavor of a warm cup of chai, you’ll love making your own homemade chai tea mix.
This easy pantry recipe combines black tea, creamy vanilla, brown sugar, and a blend of warming spices for a rich, comforting drink that’s ready in minutes.
Making your own chai mix is not only more economical than buying store-bought mixes, but you can also customize the spices to suit your family’s tastes.
Whether you enjoy a steaming mug on a chilly morning or an iced chai latte on a hot afternoon, this homemade mix is always a welcome treat.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
Want to try making your own jelly at home?
Get my free guide with 8 easy, beginner-friendly jelly recipes you can confidently make.
What Is Chai Tea?
Chai originated in India, where “chai” simply means tea. Traditional masala chai is made by simmering black tea with milk, sweetener, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
Over the years, chai has become popular around the world, inspiring everything from tea lattes to baking recipes and homemade drink mixes like this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry ingredients
- Rich, warm blend of classic chai spices
- Great for homemade gifts
- Makes a large batch
- Ready in just a few minutes
- Delicious hot or iced
Homemade Chai Tea Mix Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsweetened instant tea
- 1½ cups powdered French vanilla non-dairy creamer
- 1¼ cups powdered non-dairy creamer
- 1¼ cups packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Why These Spices Matter
Each spice contributes to the classic chai flavor.
- Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness.
- Cardamom gives chai its distinctive floral, citrusy aroma.
- Nutmeg adds richness.
- Cloves provide bold spice.
- Allspice deepens the overall flavor.
- White pepper adds a subtle warmth without making the tea spicy.
If you’re missing one or two spices, you can still make the mix, although cardamom is one ingredient that really gives chai its signature flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chai Tea Mix
- Place all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to airtight jars or containers.
- Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
That’s it! The mix comes together in just a few minutes.
How to Make a Cup of Chai
To prepare one serving:
- Heat 1 cup of hot water (or hot milk for an extra creamy drink).
- Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chai tea mix.
- Mix until completely dissolved.
- Enjoy!
For an iced chai latte, dissolve the mix in a small amount of hot water first, then pour over ice and add cold milk.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade chai tea mix in an airtight container or glass jar in a cool, dry pantry.
For the freshest flavor, use within 6 months, although it often lasts even longer when stored properly.
Variations
Make It Extra Spicy
Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger.
Less Sweet
Reduce the granulated sugar by ½ cup for a less sweet blend.
Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free milk powder or simply omit the dry milk and prepare the tea with your favorite milk when serving.
Add Ginger
Ground ginger is a traditional chai spice and adds a little extra warmth.
Homemade Gift Idea
Pour the chai tea mix into a decorative mason jar, attach a ribbon, and include serving instructions on a gift tag. Pair it with a favorite mug for an easy Christmas, hostess, or teacher gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tea bags?
This recipe is designed for instant unsweetened tea. If you only have tea bags, it’s better to brew fresh chai rather than substitute them into the mix.
Why does this recipe use white pepper?
White pepper adds gentle warmth without the stronger bite of black pepper. It’s subtle but helps round out the spice blend and gives the mix a more authentic chai flavor.
Do I have to use cardamom?
You can leave it out if necessary, but cardamom is one of the signature flavors in chai. If you’ve never tried it, it’s worth picking up a jar for the full flavor.
Can I use this mix to make lattes?
Absolutely! Simply stir the mix into hot milk instead of water, or use half hot water and half steamed milk for a rich, creamy chai latte.
Follow my make a mix board on Pinterest.
You can buy lactose-free dry milk on Amazon for a reasonable price. My daughter doesn’t do dairy and this is what I used to make her chai tea.
Corrina,
I make it with powdered coconut milk and it’s very good. You don’t taste the coconut.
That’s what I use. I’v been making this since the recipe was listed. I double the batch and use pumpkin pie spice instead of all of the different spices, but use the same amount if you add it all up. We usually have a cup a day and sometimes more. It’s REALLY good! Those spices are really good for you, so I add Pumpkin Pie Spice to everything I can. Love it.
Is the lipton instant ice tea mix what you use?
thank you
Brenda
Do you have a recommendation for making this without the dried milk? We can’t do dairy. The creamer i can get in non dairy. Can I just leave it out and make it with almond milk? Would i adjust the amount of mix to my mug? Help please.