CARDAMOM CHAI ICED TEA
Cardamom Chai Iced Tea is a bold and aromatic beverage that brings together the profound, spiced flavours of chai tea with the cooling refreshment of an iced drink. Infused with fragrant cardamom and lightly sweetened with honey, this iced tea offers a unique balance of warmth and chill, making it perfect for any season. The chai base, rich with black tea and spices, delivers a hearty flavour, while the cardamom adds a hint of citrusy spice that enhances the drink’s complexity, served with ice. This tea is a refreshing yet comforting choice that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for an energising alternative to traditional iced tea or a lightly spiced drink to complement a meal, this easy-to-make recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of chai in a new and refreshing way.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Beverages
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
South Asian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, 5 Ingredients or Less, Blender Recipes
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Fall, Picnic, Party, Casual Dinner, Back to School
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low/No Sugar, Alcohol-Free Drinks, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Iced Tea, Mocktails
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup brewed chai tea
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 2 ice cubes
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fats: 0 g
- Fibre: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Vitamin C: 0 mg
PREPARATION
- Brew the chai tea: Steep chai tea in hot water for 5–7 minutes, then allow it to cool to room temperature. For quicker chilling, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
- Mix in cardamom: Stir the ground cardamom into the chilled tea to infuse its flavour.
- Sweeten the tea: Add honey and stir it until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Add ice cubes: Drop the ice cubes into the glass to chill the drink.
- Serve and enjoy: Stir once more and enjoy immediately for the best flavour.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
None
TIPS
- For a stronger spice flavour: Brew the chai tea longer or add a pinch of extra spices like cinnamon or ginger.
- For a smoother texture: Strain the tea before chilling to remove any residue from the cardamom.
- For a naturally sweeter version: Use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
- For an aesthetic touch: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a star anise for a decorative element.
- For a richer drink: Add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy iced chai experience.
VARIATIONS
- Caffeine-free version: Replace chai tea with rooibos or a spiced herbal tea.
- Fizzy version: Swap half of the tea with sparkling water for a bubbly drink.
- Stronger spice infusion: Crush whole cardamom pods and let them steep with the tea for a more vigorous flavour.
- Sweeter alternative: Use coconut sugar or date syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
- Chilled latte version: Blend the tea with milk and ice for a creamy iced chai latte.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir it before serving.
- Freezing: Pour the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. Use chai-infused ice cubes in future drinks.
- Make-ahead tip: Brew and chill a larger batch for quick and easy serving throughout the day.