Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Mocktailnon_alcoholic9 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderate
Why: 9 ingredients
Best for: Low / No Alcohol, Winter / Cozy
Ingredients
ModifierSweetenerMixerDairy / textureHerb / spice
- 2 cupsWaterMixer
- 3-4 tspTea
- 1 chunk driedGingerModifier
- 3-4 crushedCardamomHerb / spice
- 3ClovesModifier
- 1 pieceCinnamonModifier
- 1-2 wholeBlack PepperHerb / spice
- to taste\nSugarSweetener
- to tasteMilkDairy / texture
How to Make It
- Bring 2 cups of water to boil.
- Add all the ingredients and boil again for about 15 seconds.
- Let stand for a minute.
- Warm milk in a pot.
- Filter tea into cups.
- Add milk and sugar.
- That's IT.
Best For
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Make it more grown-upAdd complexity with citrus peel, herbs, tea, spice, ginger, tonic-style bitterness or a sharper garnish.
Balance sweetnessIf it tastes too sweet, add acidity. If it tastes too sharp, add fruit, syrup or a softer mixer.
Make it party-readyUse a chilled glass, garnish, bubbles and plenty of ice so the drink feels deliberate.Keep it alcohol-freeExplore more zero-ABV drink ideas.Swap notes
Milk and creamMilk, cream and creamy ingredients change body, texture and sweetness perception. They are not neutral swaps. With citrus, add slowly and watch for curdling or texture changes.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Masala Chai?
- The Masala Chai is a non-alcoholic cocktail made with 9 ingredients, traditionally served in a Coffee Mug. It is a non-alcoholic drink. A standard serving contains approximately 197 calories.
- What does a Masala Chai taste like?
- Masala Chai has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Sugar, Sweet, Tea. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Masala Chai?
- Masala Chai is versatile — it pairs well with light snacks, seafood and mild cheeses. The best match depends on the dominant flavour in the specific recipe.
- How strong is a Masala Chai?
- The Masala Chai is alcohol-free. A standard serving contains approximately 197 calories. Calorie content varies based on the juices, syrups and mixers used.
- When is a Masala Chai typically served?
- Masala Chai is a popular choice for Low / No Alcohol, Winter / Cozy, After Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Masala Chai?
- If you enjoy Masala Chai, explore other mocktails with a similar flavour profile using the filters on the mocktails page. Many classic cocktails also have non-alcoholic adaptations that share the same flavour balance.
- Can I make a Masala Chai at home?
- Yes. The Masala Chai uses 9 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Coffee Mug. Use fresh juices and quality syrups for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare mocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find mocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Masala Chai with other mocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.