Adrak Chai Recipe (Indian Ginger Milk Tea)

Water: The base liquid for brewing the tea.

Ginger: Adds a spicy, warming flavor to the tea.

Tea leaves: Provides the robust, earthy flavor essential to chai.

Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the strong flavors.

Sugar: Sweetens the tea to taste.

To enhance the flavor of your adrak chai, consider lightly crushing the ginger before adding it to the water. This will release more of its natural oils and intensify the spice in your tea. Additionally, using freshly grated ginger rather than pre-ground will provide a more vibrant and aromatic experience.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor.

• grated ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for every 1 inch of fresh ginger. Ground ginger is more concentrated, so use less.

• tea leaves - Substitute with tea bags: Use 1 tea bag for every teaspoon of tea leaves. Tea bags are more convenient and easier to measure.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note. Use 1.5 tablespoons of honey for every 2 tablespoons of sugar.

• Allow the adrak chai to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled adrak chai into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to maintain the freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The adrak chai can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. Beyond this period, the flavors may start to degrade.
• When ready to enjoy, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and reheat gently over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the taste and texture.
• If you prefer to freeze the adrak chai, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Alternatively, use ice cube trays for portioned servings.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. Frozen adrak chai can be stored for up to 1 month.
• To thaw, transfer the frozen adrak chai to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• For a quick defrost, place the frozen container in a bowl of warm water. Once thawed, reheat on the stove as usual.
• Always give the reheated adrak chai a good stir to ensure the flavors are well-mixed before serving.

• Pour the leftover adrak chai into a small saucepan. Heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once it reaches your desired temperature, pour it into a cup and enjoy.

• Use a microwave-safe mug to reheat the adrak chai. Place the mug in the microwave and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious as microwaves can heat unevenly.

• If you have a milk frother with a heating function, pour the adrak chai into the frother and heat it until it reaches the perfect temperature. This method also helps in creating a frothy texture.

• For a quick reheat, use a double boiler method. Place the adrak chai in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, pour the adrak chai into a teapot and place it over a tea warmer. This method keeps the tea warm for a longer period without overheating it.

• Saucepan: A deep cooking pan used to boil water and simmer the ginger and tea leaves.

• Grater: A tool used to grate the ginger into fine pieces to release its flavor.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the correct amount of water and milk.

• Teaspoon: Used to measure the tea leaves accurately.

• Strainer: Used to strain the tea leaves and ginger pieces from the liquid before serving.

• Stirring spoon: Used to stir the tea and dissolve the sugar.

• Cups: Used to serve the hot tea.

Pre-grate the ginger: Grate the ginger in advance and store it in the fridge to save time during preparation.

Use a tea infuser: Place the tea leaves in a tea infuser for easy removal, reducing the need for straining.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the water, milk, and sugar beforehand to streamline the process.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of adrak chai and store it in the fridge. Reheat as needed.

Use a milk frother: A milk frother can quickly heat and froth the milk, saving time on boiling.