Energizing Masala Chai Recipe

As the weather grows colder, it's the perfect time to curl up and enjoy a warm, spiced chai. While many coffee shops and grocery stores offer chai, it's often inundated with sugar and preservatives, giving it that super-sweet taste. Our take is a bit more herbal, a tad spicy, and refreshingly sugar-free – focusing on digestion, stress, and immune-supporting benefits during the time of year when your body needs it most.

What is Masala?

The spicy, herbal aspect of chai that makes it so invigorating is what we call Masala – a Hindi word that means “spice.” While non-masala chai is just made up of black tea, milk, and sugar, masala chai takes it to another level by adding spices like Cardamom, Cloves, and Cinnamon, among other carminative and warming herbs that are still used in Ayurveda to this day.

Legend says that 5,000 years ago, Indian Emperors would sip masala to stay alert during courtly affairs – although, at that time, it was caffeine-free. In 1835, British intervention introduced black tea leaves into the mix, making it the popular caffeinated drink it is today, which can be found on many street corners in India. 

Traditional Chai Spice Star Ingredients 

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore what makes this special masala chai recipe both delicious and healthy. 

Masala chai typically involves a variety of spices, including Ginger, Cardamom, Cloves, and Cinnamon, although the exact herbs and ratio vary regionally and from family to family. 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): For thousands of years, Ginger has been a staple in the world of digestive herbs. For 5,000 years, it’s been used in Asian cooking. It helps to expel gas and also assists in other occasional digestive issues. Additionally, it supports the immune system and can help with joint comfort*. 

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum): The sweet and spicy taste of Cloves points to its powerful health benefits, from supporting oral health to its warming effects of soothing the joints.  Plus, it’s a great digestive herb that helps give chai its sweet and warming kick.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Another warming digestive herb, cinnamon is native to Asia and has a soothing effect on the body that helps ease occasional discomfort. It’s an antioxidant that helps with metabolism of sugars, and aids in digestion—plus, it’s a delicious herb to enhance the flavor of your morning cup.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): This bright green plant has been used in Indian dishes for centuries as a carminative herb that aids digestion, helps metabolize sugar, contributes to oral and immune health*, and works in both sweet and savory dishes. As a bonus, it freshens breath!

Black Tea (Camellia sinensis assamica): Made of fermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, this popular tea contains about half the caffeine of coffee without the jittery side effects. As a customary add-on to masala chai, black tea contains flavonoids (antioxidants) and L-theanine, an amino acid that supports a sense of calm. Black tea also contains polyphenols, which contribute to healthy gut bacteria. 

Want to honor the traditional recipe? Opt for Assam or Darjeeling black tea, which is native to India. 

Our Secret Ingredient: Adapt & Thrive™ 

Adapt & Thrive™, our Ashwagandha and Super Mushroom blend, is arguably the star of this recipe. It’s formulated with herbs that support your natural energy levels to feel more balanced. With ingredients like regenerative organic and organically-grown Mucuna, Cordyceps, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Maca, you’ll feel deeply nourished within your adrenal and hormonal systems, helping you adapt to life’s stressors*. Plus, it already includes Ginger and Cardamom, giving it a somewhat herbal chai-like flavor all on its own. 

Energizing Masala Chai with Adapt & Thrive™ 

Ready to make an energizing masala chai at home? Grab a mortar and pestle, and let’s brew some goodness!  Yield: One 8 oz serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp of grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice
• 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea (or 1 black tea bag). Opt for decaf if you'd like a caffeine-free option.
• 2 rounded tsp Adapt & Thrive™ blend
• Sweeter of choice to taste, such as: coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional)

How to make:

1. Add black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon to a mortar and pestle. Crush until herbs become small pieces (not powder).
2. Grate or slice fresh ginger.
3. Add crushed herbs, water, and milk to a saucepan over medium-low heat and gently simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, add black tea, cover, and steep for another 5 minutes.
5. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer to separate the herbs from the liquid.
6. Add the Adapt & Thrive™ blend to a mug, then slowly add the chai, stirring continuously to blend well.
7. Add sweetener of choice (optional) and enjoy your frothy, spicy herbal beverage!

Herbs for Energy & Resilience 

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of our Adapt & Thrive™ ingredients: 

Ashwagandha: Our Regenerative Organic Certified® Ashwagandha is grown on the farm in Costa Rica for optimal potency and nutrient density. As a famous adaptogen, this Ayurvedic herb helps to balance energy and stress levels in your body*.

Rhodiola: Grown in semi-arctic terrain, Rhodiola speaks to its resilience and strength. It’s an adaptogenic herb that supports the health of your organs, stress response, and immune system so you can feel your best*.  

Mucuna seed: We grow Mucuna regeneratively during the wet season of August to December on the farm. Producing dark brown beans, Mucuna induces energy by supporting your adrenal glands and the hormonal system*, and metabolic function.

Maca root: Growing far above the treeline in cold, dry, and windy conditions, Maca speaks to strength and resilience. As an adaptogen, it helps your body build a natural resilience to stress* while gently strengthening your immune system*. 

Cordyceps: For immune, energy, and stress support that assists adrenal and hormonal function, Cordyceps is a powerful fungi to reach for when there is a need to support healthy cortisol levels, the precursor to stress. 

Ready to elevate your chai ritual and find a winter drink you’ll absolutely love? Try our energizing Masala Chai with Adapt & Thrive™ and feel the difference.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.