Chai Latte Spice Mix

Make homemade chai latte spice mix with black tea, cinnamon and cardamom. A cosy gift in a jar with sweetened and unsweetened options, plus easy brewing instructions.

10/26/20263 min read

Variety of aromatic spices including cinnamon sticks, star anise, and various ground spice powders on a dark plate.

Chai Latte Spice Mix

A Mug of Cosy in a Jar

Some gifts are all about slowing down, and a jar of chai mix is one of them. It's black tea, warm spices and a little sugar, and all the person has to do is simmer it with milk. The kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and cardamom, and for ten minutes nobody is rushing anywhere. It's a lovely present for a teacher, a neighbour, a friend who needs a rest or a grandchild's new flat.

There's no baking and no cooking, so it's ready in 15 minutes. The only trick is balance. Too much clove tastes like the dentist, and too little ginger tastes flat. I've given you a mix that is warm and gentle, and then it's easy to adjust to your own taste. I've included a sweet version and a spice-only version, so you can choose what suits the person you're giving it to.

Troubleshooting guide for homemade chai latte spice mix problems like lumpy texture, weak flavor, and sediment.

Packaging and Gifting

Use small jars of about 250 ml (8 fl oz), with tight-fitting lids. Each jar holds about 100 g of the sweet mix, which is about 5 mugs. Wash the jars in hot soapy water, rinse and dry them in a 100°C (80°C fan-forced, 210°F) oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool before filling. Any moisture in the jar makes the sugar clump and shortens the shelf life.

To decorate, tie a ribbon and a cinnamon stick around the neck of the jar, add a star anise and a kraft tag with the instructions. A teacup, a cinnamon stick and a small packet of biscuits tucked together look lovely.

Label wording:

Chai Latte Spice Mix. Made on [date]. Best within 3 months. Keep sealed in a cool, dry cupboard. Stir well before using. To make: simmer 2 tbsp with 1/2 cup water for 3 minutes, add 3/4 cup milk, heat, strain and enjoy. Contains caffeine.

Gift tag message: Put the kettle on. Stir, simmer, sip and slow down for a moment. With love from [name].

Allergen note: the mix itself contains no major allergens, but check the labels on your spices and tea, as some are packed where nuts, sesame or gluten are handled. The finished latte contains whatever milk is used. Note that the tea contains caffeine.

Lovely things to pair it with:

• A pretty mug or teacup

• A little jar of honey, or a packet of shortbread

• A small saucepan, for the person starting a new kitchen

Making It With the Kids/Grandkids

There's no heat and no sharp tools until the very end, so this is a good one for little hands.

• Ages 3 and up: smell each spice (a great guessing game), tip the measured spices into the bowl, and stir. Decorate the labels.

• Ages 5 and up: measure with the spoons, press the sugar through the sieve, and fill the jars using a funnel.

• Ages 8 and up: crush the tea in a bag with a rolling pin, and tie the ribbons.

• Adults only: simmering the chai on the stove, and anything hot.

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This post is part of my Edible Gifts From the Kitchen series. You will find loads more edible gift ideas and delicious Christmas recipes here.

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With love, Kim xx

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