The best authentic chai doesn't require complicated equipment or hours of preparation, it takes just 3–5 minutes on the stovetop.
Whether you prefer a quick stovetop brew or the convenience of a make-ahead concentrate, you can enjoy a rich, aromatic cup at home with just a few simple ingredients.
As whole spices like cardamom and ginger infuse into the Assam tea, they create the bold flavor and comforting aroma that define traditional masala chai. Whether you choose to gently simmer your chai for a freshly brewed cup or prepare a concentrate to enjoy throughout the week, both methods deliver an authentic, café-quality experience.
If you've been wondering how to make chai tea at home, this guide has you covered. We'll walk you through Leely Chai Co.'s Traditional Brew Method for a classic stovetop chai, as well as the Steep Method for creating a versatile chai concentrate. You'll also recommend a few tips for brewing the perfect cup every time.
Gather Your Chai Essentials
Whether you're brewing a fresh cup on the stovetop or preparing a make-ahead chai concentrate, you'll need just a few simple tools and ingredients.
Tools:
-
Saucepan
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Your favorite mug (or a jar for storing concentrate)
Ingredients:
-
Leely Chai Co. 10 Spice Masala Chai
-
Water
-
Milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
-
Sweetener to taste
-
Fresh grated ginger (optional, for added spice)
Leely Chai Co.'s 10 Spice Masala Chai blends premium Assam black tea with a carefully balanced mix of whole spices, making it easy to prepare authentic masala chai without measuring individual spices for every batch. Crafted in small batches using direct- and fair-trade Assam tea sourced from a fourth-generation family-owned tea estate in India, it's designed to deliver the rich, traditional flavors of homemade chai, whether you're brewing a single cup or making a week's worth of concentrate.
How to Brew Chai on the Stove
Making authentic chai is surprisingly simple and takes only a few minutes. Whether you enjoy the traditional stovetop method or prefer a quicker steeping approach, Leely Chai Co. makes it easy to prepare authentic masala chai at home.
Method 1: Traditional Stovetop Brew
The traditional stovetop method allows the whole spices and Assam tea to gently infuse, creating a rich, aromatic cup in just a few minutes.
-
Heat 1 cup (8 oz) of water in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle boil.
-
Add 1 tablespoon of chai mix (optional: add ¾ tsp fresh grated ginger for extra flavor) and simmer for 4–5 minutes.
-
Strain the chai into a mug.
-
Add ½ cup (4 oz) of plant-based milk, such as oat or soy milk, and sweeten to taste.
If using dairy milk:
Simmer the chai with 1 cup (8 oz) of water for 3 minutes, then add ½ cup (4 oz) of milk and simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste.
Method 2: Steep Method (Concentrate)
Short on time? The steep method delivers the same bold flavors with minimal effort.
-
Bring 2½ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
-
Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of chai mix (optional: add 2 tsp fresh grated ginger). Let it steep for 20 minutes.
-
Strain the concentrate into a bottle or jar, then stir in ¼ cup of sugar.
Serving Suggestions:
-
Hot Chai: Mix the concentrate with a splash of milk and heat before serving.
-
Iced Chai: Combine the concentrate with cold milk and serve over ice.
-
Large Batches: Increase the chai mix, water, and sugar proportionally. Add 5 extra minutes of steeping time for each additional batch.
Storage:
The chai concentrate can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Single Steep Option:
Steep 1 tablespoon of chai mix in 1 cup (8 oz) of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain, then add a splash of milk and sweeten to taste.
What Makes Homemade Masala Chai Different?
One of the biggest misconceptions about chai is that there's only one "correct" recipe.
In reality, homemade masala chai has always reflected the people making it. Recipes vary from family to family and from one region to another. Every ingredient contributes something different, creating a cup that's layered, balanced, and impossible to replicate with artificial flavorings or ready-made concentrates.
If you'd like to skip measuring individual spices without compromising on tradition, Leely Chai Co.'s collection of small-batch chai blends makes it easy to brew authentic stovetop chai at home.
