Indian ginger tea is one of the few recipes I tried making in the kitchen. It is not only me, but many Indian children also start learning cooking by making tea. Ginger tea is considered as the basics of cooking.
This spiced Indian milk tea is rich and creamy with a hint of Ginger. It makes it 'spicy,' which does not mean it is 'heat' as in 'hot.'
The tea is spicy, hitting your throat and not your tongue, which is good to have during a cold and cough. The prime ingredients of this tea are milk, tea leaves, and Ginger.
The experience of sipping ginger milk tea on rainy days and in cold climates is the ultimate. I hope everyone will love the taste, irrespective of the region. The tea tastes warm and cozy and soothes your throat for every sip.
You can follow your method of making. You can make this fresh ginger tea on the stovetop or microwave. Are you planning a style party? This recipe can entertain a large crowd.
Use a large pot to make and store; it can be reheated quickly on the stovetop before serving. Both your guest and you will not be disappointed by this drink.
Some of you wonder how the ginger and the tea combo will turn out. This Indian ginger tea tastes excellent with the addition of Ginger.
The milk mellows down the strong ginger flavor and makes it drool-worthy. The recipe I shared here is easy to understand and convenient for those preparing for the first time.
I do find that Indian restaurants here in the United States have ginger tea as the beverage on the buffet menu. Many of my friends liked it and asked for the easy ginger tea they make home.
So this recipe is for people like my friends and I hope this post will be helpful for them.
Ginger tea recipe pairing ideas
How to make ginger tea with milk
Ginger. Always fresh ginger is preferred for this Indian ginger tea. The leading grocery stores carry this root in the United States. So locating them would not be a problem. I want to mention that ground ginger cannot substitute for fresh Ginger, as they differ in taste and aroma.
Ginger has to be gently crushed; the point is to infuse the tea with the ginger flavor. If it is too much done, it could spoil the taste of the tea.
Tea Leaves. You may choose your favorite brand, tea leaves, or tea bags. Making chai with tea leaves makes ginger chai taste original. The flavor of tea made with tea leaves is more intense than tea bags. So, choose the type according to your choice.
Allowing the tea leaves to boil in water will extract the tea's flavor and goodness. If you are using the tea bags, you can skip this step and add the tea bag to hot water.
Sugar. The regular sugar you use would be perfect. Use natural sugar or other sugar alternatives to enhance the tea.
Milk. The milk you regularly use in your kitchen would work fine. There is no discrimination here; it can be whole, 2%, or low-fat milk. You can also swap with coconut, almond, and soy milk for the vegan version. And these substitutions taste incredible as well.
Indian Ginger Tea-an Intro
Tea is a staple drink throughout India and is culturally blended. Most Indians start the day with chai.
Indian tea is usually made with milk and dried tea leaves. Furthermore, tea made with exotic spices is prevalent in all regions. Likewise, the drink made with Ginger is famous and made when bored with regular tea or whenever the tastebuds long for exotic refreshments.
In India, people call this drink 'Adrak chai,' as Ginger is called 'adrak', and tea 'chai' in Hindi. It is sometimes known as 'adrak wali chai' in Northern India. And 'Inji tea' in Tamil, where 'inji' means Ginger (these sound similar, right!).
I heard some people call this Ginger chai tea; I would say that naming it ginger chai or adrak tea would be perfect, as the words 'chai' and 'tea' mean the same.
The variations of ginger tea with milk
Like many recipes here in Pepperbowl, this Adrak Chai is customized and altered to choose an individual preference.
- The first and best variation that came to my mind when I wrote this Indian ginger tea post was adding cardamom. This addition is the most exciting variation I love making for my family.
- Add spices like a small piece of cinnamon, which people love.
- Try adding dry ground ginger. Dried and fresh ginger vary in taste and flavor greatly. A pinch would be sufficient for a cup of tea.
- Add a mint leaf at the last and strain, which gives a refreshing feeling that makes you active for the rest of the day.
- Skip adding milk, and make a spiced black tea.
- Try substituting milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Is masala tea and Indian ginger tea the same?
No, masala tea is made with various spices, while Ginger is the only spice used to make this flavored Indian chai recipe. Both taste hugely different; the aroma of the masala tea is more intense than that of this recipe.
What is the best time to have Indian ginger tea?
There is no rule to adhere to, but ginger tea is generally best in the evening. My family prefers rainy and winter days.
Other drinks to try,
Printable recipe card
Indian Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- ½ inch fresh ginger
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoon tea leaves /tea bags
- 2 teaspoon sugar or as required
Instructions
- Peel off the ginger skin. And gently crush the Ginger with the back of the spoon or with the flat surface of the knife. And set aside.
- Bring water to a rolling boil.
- Add tea leaves and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes in medium flame.
- Add milk and sugar. Bring it to boil.
- Strain and serve hot.
dana
This sounds like the perfect cup of tea! I cannot wait to try this. Part of my change this year for me is drinking more tea and less wine, lol.
Gina Abernathy
Sounds like a great tea to unwind with (and a good book) at the end of the day.
Louise
This is so warming and refreshing at the same time. I used oat milk and it turned out deliciously.
Mairead
Warming ginger tea is perfect for cold winter days. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.
Kushigalu
I always start my day with cup of ginger tea. So flavorful