chocolate and cacao beans

How to Make Masala Chai at Home

Written by: Kakaw

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Published on

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Time to read 2 min

Hot chocolate in an aztec mug

Prep time

5 min

Cook time

4 min

Servings

2 pers

Category

Chai Latte

Origin

United Kingdom

Ingredients

There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of authentic masala chai. With Amala’s blend of Assam tea and organic Kerala spices, you can bring the comforting aromas of India straight into your kitchen. Here’s our tried-and-tested method:


Ingredients (for 2 cups)

  • 2 tsp Amala Masala Chai
  • 250ml (1 cup) water
  • 250ml (1 cup) whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tsp sugar (or to taste) – traditionally chai is enjoyed sweetened
  • Optional Kakaw addition: 20–30g (about 1 oz) Kakaw dark or milk chocolate, chopped or drops.

Step‑by‑step guide: brew at home

1. Boil the water

Add 250ml (1 cup) of water to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.

2. Add the chai blend

Stir in 2 teaspoons (approx. 5g) of Amala Masala Chai. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to release the malty Assam tea and fragrant cardamom notes.

3. Pour in the milk

Add 250ml (1 cup) of milk and 2 teaspoons of sugar (optional). Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t catch.

4. (Optional) Melt in Kakaw chocolate

For a chocolate masala chai, stir in 20–30g of Kakaw chocolate until smooth and fully melted into the chai.

5. Strain and serve

Pour through a fine mesh strainer into cups. The chai should be smooth, creamy, and full of spice – with or without chocolate.

Professional Coffee Machine (Café Style)

1. Brew the base

In a jug, combine 2 teaspoons of Amala Masala Chai with 150ml (½ cup) of boiling water. Let steep for 3–4 minutes.

2. Prepare the milk

Steam 150ml (½ cup) of milk using the steam wand of your coffee machine until hot and velvety.

  • Optional: Drop in 20–30g of Kakaw chocolate before steaming — the chocolate will melt beautifully into the milk.

3. Combine

Pour the steeped chai through a strainer into a serving cup, then top with the steamed milk.

4. Serve:

Pour into your Aztec mug or bowl and enjoy café‑quality texture at home.

If you’ve added spices, pass the hot chocolate through a fine strainer before serving for a smooth finish.

4. Finish

Stir gently, dust with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa if you like, and serve immediately.

Tools

#Make it your way

  • Extra‑rich (café style): use 200ml milk + 50ml double cream and 40–45g chocolate.

  • Vegan: use oat milk (barista style works best) and your favourite Dark chocolate.

  • Spiced (Aztec style): add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla or chilli,

  • Fresh (Orange, Lemon): add a strip of orange zest while steaming the milk; remove before serving or use a zester to get the full of the citrus across.

#Ingredient ratios

  • Light & sippable: 30g chocolate | 250ml milk
  • Classic: 35–40g chocolate | 250ml milk 
  • Thick & indulgent: 45–55g chocolate | 250ml milk

FAQs

What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate is made with real chocolate (like buttons or finely chopped pieces) melted into milk. Hot cocoa usually uses cocoa powder. Real chocolate gives a creamier, richer cup.

How do I get café‑style foam?
Use a steam wand, milk frother, or Subminimal NanoFoamer while melting the chocolate, or foam vigorously for 20–30 seconds right before pouring.

Can I batch‑make hot chocolate?
Absolutely. Multiply the recipe and keep the heat low. A hand blender, milk frother, or Subminimal NanoFoamer helps when scaling up.

What chocolate percentage should I choose?
For a classic, balanced cup, 60–72% dark works beautifully. For sweeter and creamier, go milk chocolate in the 34–47% range. Ruby chocolate gives a fruity twist.

Can I make this with water?
Yes, but it’ll be lighter. Try half water, half milk for a leaner cup that still tastes rounded.

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