Top Three Tea Transformations for Winters

Good news for all my fellow tea lovers out there-our very own humble chai is a full-blown international trend. Health-conscious millennials all over the world are obsessed with the sensual experience a well-brewed cup of tea offers. Now I don’t want to call into question my undying devotion for tea, but a plain old chai or doodh patti is no longer enough. I have decided to get with the times.

The hunt for unique infusions and authentic experiences has lead to interesting innovations. These have taken tea far beyond a simple comforting and warm drink. A slew of trendy chai cafes have opened up across the city; Chaaye Khana, Chaaye Wala and other such spots have become a playground for hipster experimentation. The encyclopedic list of exotic teas on their menus and social media worthy furnishings has taken the humble chai to a refined gourmet league.

However, not all of us head out to fulfill our frequent chai cravings and for those moments I have a few concoctions up my sleeves. If you ever find yourself in a mood to treat your taste buds, try out my instaworthy recipes:

This delectable and refreshing cuppa has a definite wow-factor. It is simple to make and is endlessly adaptable. The minute you’ve got the basics down, you can go creative in a number of ways. I make a one with the following simple ingredients.

Teabags  4

Cardamom pods 2

Vanilla bean 1/8

Almond extract 1/4 tsp (optional)

Hot water 1 cup

Sugar 1 tbsp.

Condensed milk 1 tbsp.

Evaporated milk 2 tsp

Mint leaves 3-4

Steep the tea, cardamom, vanilla, and almond extract

Let sit for 5 minutes and then strain

Stir in the sugar and evaporated milk

Fill a large glass with ice

Pour the tea and drizzle condensed milk

Top with mint leaves.

A pleasant twist to the usual cup of joy. Enriched with vitamin C, magnesium, and other minerals; ginger root is ideal for beating winter’s cold, reducing inflammation, relieving nausea and improving metabolism.

Hot water 3 1⁄2 cups

Ginger (peeled/chopped) 4 tbsp

Loose black tea leaves 2 tbsp

Milk 1⁄2 cup

Honey 1⁄2 cup

Bring the water to a gentle boil 

Add ginger and allow it to simmer

Turn off the flame and stir in tea

Cover and let it stand for 3-5 minutes

Add in milk and honey

Strain the mixture and blitz it

Pour it out and drink it up

This aromatic blend of fine spices and black tea is chock-full of health benefits that account much for the strengthening of the heart. It favors you most when you look for mellowing out after a hectic day.

Whole cloves 4

Cardamom pods 2

Cinnamon stick 1

Water 3 cups

Ground ginger 1⁄4 tsp

Freshly ground pepper 1⁄8 tsp

Milk 1⁄2 cup

sugar 2 tbsp

Black tea 2 tbsp

Crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon in a mortar.  

Pour the spices into a small pot

Add the water, pepper, ginger and bring to a boil.

Turn off the flame and cover it for 5 minutes.

Add the milk and sugar and simmer for a minute

Add in the tea

Steep for 3 minutes

Strain and serve

And that’s how you upgrade your tea, one cup at a time.