Hi! I’m Cassandre, and today on Caramel Loafing, we’re making a classic, soul-warming drink: Masala Chai and Iced Chai Latte with Spiced Tea Cubes.
There are endless milk tea varieties around the world, but Masala Chai has a uniquely irresistible charm—especially in winter. With just a few warming spices, your favorite black tea, and milk, you can brew a cozy cup of fragrant spiced milk tea in under 10 minutes. As the spices simmer, their bold personalities soften and harmonize into a rich, comforting blend. Poured hot into a glass or mug, it warms your hands, belly, and soul.
For hot summer days, we’ve taken inspiration from Kori Kohi (coffee ice cubes) to create an iced chai latte with spiced tea cubes. Brew a strong tea concentrate, freeze it into cubes, then pour warm milk over the top. As the cubes melt, the drink transforms into a bold, golden chai with layers of depth. It’s a must-try for iced milk tea lovers! 👍
If you love milk tea, this exotic twist on classic chai is one recipe you won’t want to skip. It’s quick, easy, and highly customizable—perfect for cozy winter mornings or cooling summer afternoons.
More recipes you’ll love! If you enjoyed this aromatic and comforting Masala Chai, here are a few more cozy and refreshing drinks to explore:
Warm up your winter with a classic holiday favorite: Mulled Wine (Vin Chaud)
Stay cool on hot summer days with a refreshing must-have: Taiwanese Iced Fruit Tea
Indulge in something rich, velvety, and perfect for a cozy winter afternoon: French Hot Chocolate (Le Chocolat Chaud)
Try the drink that went viral worldwide: Dalgona Coffee
Enjoy a light, zesty, and alcohol-free option: Virgin Mojito
Masala Chai Recipe (Hot and Iced Versions)
Ingredients
Yield: 3–4 servings (using 150ml cups) / Makes 5 iced chai lattes
☞ For Hot Masala Chai
- Cinnamon stick – 1g (approx. 1/3 stick) / 0.04 oz
- Cloves – 3 whole
- Black peppercorns – 6 whole
- Green cardamom pods – 3 pods
- Fresh ginger – 5g / 0.18 oz (peeled, small piece)
- Ceylon black tea – 6g / 0.21 oz
- Granulated sugar – 30g / 1.06 oz
- Water – 200ml
- Milk – 250ml
☞ For Iced Masala Chai Cubes (Iced Chai Latte)
- Cinnamon stick – 3g (1 stick) / 0.11 oz
- Cloves – 12 whole
- Black peppercorns – 24 whole
- Green cardamom pods – 12 pods
- Fresh ginger – 20g / 0.71 oz (peeled, small piece)
- Ceylon black tea – 24g / 0.85 oz
- Granulated sugar – 120g / 4.23 oz
- Water – 480ml
- ** Also prepare warm milk (approx. 40°C / 104°F), 100ml per serving for iced chai latte
Curious about the nutrition facts? Use our Nutrition Calculator for full details.
Instructions
☞ How to Make Hot Masala Chai
- Place cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and cardamom pods in a small saucepan. Toast over low heat until aromatic, then remove.
- Crush the toasted spices using a mortar and pestle. Add the peeled ginger and crush together into a coarse mixture.
- Transfer the crushed mixture to a small pot with 200ml water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add 250ml milk and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the tea leaves and boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for another minute. Add sugar, stir until fully dissolved, then turn off the heat.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove spices and tea leaves. Serve hot.
☞ How to Make Iced Masala Chai Cubes (Iced Chai Latte)
- Toast cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and cardamom pods in a small saucepan over low heat until fragrant, then remove.
- Crush the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle. Add peeled ginger and crush everything into coarse pieces.
- In a small pot, combine the crushed spice mix with 480ml water. Bring to a boil, add 24g tea leaves, and simmer for 1 minute. Add sugar, stir to dissolve, then turn off the heat once fully infused.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let the spiced tea cool completely.
- Pour the cooled tea into an ice cube tray. Freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight.
- To serve: Place 3–4 chai cubes in a 150ml glass. Pour in half of the 100ml warm milk (approx. 40°C / 104°F) and let the cubes begin to melt. Add more milk gradually to reach your desired strength and enjoy.
Watch the full step-by-step video here: Masala Chai and Iced Chai Latte