Campfire Chai Tea Recipe

The first time I ever had Chai Tea, was when I was sixteen and living on the beach with a whole bunch of other rambunctious teens. We sang all night and slept all day. One morning, while we were making black coffee over the fire, this guy pulls out a pouch. He started pulling out little jars and packets and a tea strainer and starts making Chai. I had never  had Chai before, but after one taste, I drank it every morning for the rest of the summer. Apparently, this guy had gotten the recipe from another guy who had gotten it from another guy who had gotten it from some guru in India, which is where Chai  comes from. Chai is a delicious, yummy, spiced tea that is milky and sweet.

I would totally prefer to drink Chai every morning before work but it costs like $4.oo a cup at the local coffee drive-through. And when your kids love it too, that’s just too much money to waste. There is no way I can do that every morning. Plus, we love this especially when we are camping. It totally warms you up on a cold morning, just like oatmeal, but better. So, I experimented. There are so many different recipes out there and ways to make it. However, this is the prefect blend for me. Depending on where you live and where you are able to get spices, this can make between 4-8 serving for less than $10.00. It’s hard to get fresh spices in my tiny town, so I have to either drive an hour away to purchase them or order them online. Buying the spices in bulk is also more affordable.

Not only does this store well, put it in a little jar with a bow and gift it to someone who lives tea. Your gift will be greatly appreciated, especially during the winter months. Besides camping, this makes a yummy beverage while backpacking or ice fishing.

 

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on those links, I may earn a small commision at no cost to you.

Campfire Chai Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes    Cook Time: 10 minutes   Makes 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

10 whole cloves

7 cardamom pods

2 tsp. black peppercorns

2 star anise

2 sticks cinnamon

1 tbsp. ground ginger (if using fresh ginger, use 10 thin slices)

6 tbsp. black tea (Darjeeling or Earl Gray preferred)

8 cups water

Milk (can substitute almond milk)

Sweetener to taste: brown or white sugar, maple syrup, honey or stevia

Directions:

  1. Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, crush five first ingredients. Add fresh ginger if making right away, otherwise use ground ginger and add tea leaves. If not using mixture right away, this can be kept in an airtight jar up to six months.
  2. To make tea, boil water. Add spice mixture and simmer on low for 10 minutes. For a single serving, boil 1 ¼ cup water to 2 tbsp. of the mixture. Use a tea strainer or tea filters for single servings. For a large amount, strain into cups using cheesecloth or a strainer.
  3. Add milk and sweetener to taste.

**For a nice gift, put mixture in a glass jar and tie with a bow. Include directions for making a single serving.

Comments

  • Jocelyn

    6 years agoReply

    That is awesome you found a way to make it more affordable for you and your family to drink you favorite drink! I don’t tea or coffee, but I love hearing the story behind why you love to drink Chai! So fun and memorable.

  • Nicki

    6 years agoReply

    I have recently gotten into tea. I will try this!

  • Katie Mitchell

    6 years agoReply

    I love chai tea. What a great gift idea!

  • Katie

    6 years agoReply

    I love the gift aspect of this, it makes buying the ingredients easier since I won’t be able to drink all that by myself!

  • Ashley Firth

    6 years agoReply

    Thank you for sharing this recipe, I’m definitely going to try this – I’m an avid tea drinker! 🙂

  • Angela

    6 years agoReply

    This looks so yummy, I pinned it to try out! Thanks 🙂

  • T.M. Brown

    6 years agoReply

    I love Chai!!! Now I want to curl up on the couch with a blanket, a good movie and a nice hot cup of chai tea in my hands.

  • Katricia

    6 years agoReply

    I enjoy a nice cup of chai tea! Do you have a picture of what it should look like when the spices are grounded and in the water? Would love to make to give as gifts for the holidays.

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      I can definitely do that. I like to use fillsble tea packets

  • Jen @ Jen D Bibliophile

    6 years agoReply

    Awesome! Thanks for sharing! ?

    https://jendbibliophile.wordpress.com

  • janice sisemore

    6 years agoReply

    My husband like that flavor of tea

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      It’s my favorite but so pricy if you purchase it.

  • Deanna

    6 years agoReply

    I had some chai tea the other day in a little artsy village, it was worth the $6. The recipe sounds great!

  • joy

    6 years agoReply

    i’ve never heard of cardamom but this sure sounds good! i love a good hot chai.
    Joy at The Joyous Living

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      Cardemom is a great middle eastern spice. One of my favorite breakfast roll recipes has it and I learned from an Iraqi grandmother’s add it to my coffee

  • Terri

    6 years agoReply

    I don’t love chai, but I love the smell of it! I also love your photos. 🙂

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      thanks. My sister in law loves all the spices in chai but really doesn’t like chsi either. I love the smell too.

  • Kim

    6 years agoReply

    Yum! It’s freezing here and we were just talking about using the firepit this weekend. This will be perfect!

  • Lisa

    6 years agoReply

    This brings back fond memories for myself, as well! My husband and I spent a semester as missionaries in Tanzania, and every morning they served us Chai. We looked forward to it every day. Aghhh…now, I think I need to go find a cup. Yum!

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      Tanzania? That’s awesome.

  • Junell DuBois

    6 years agoReply

    I’ve never thought to make it myself! I bet it’s really good.

  • Christa Ellis

    6 years agoReply

    I live in the middle of nowhere, so I get having to drive for things. Fortunately though, we’re surrounded by Amish, and they have this amazing Amish bulk foods store out here where we can get bulk spices way cheaper than the regular grocery. A pint clear plastic container is usually the same price as the small spice bottle/package at the grocery. It’s awesome really. I need to try this.

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      living in tiny towns definitely has its pros and cons. I like bulk soices because they are way cheaper.

  • Erin Maycroft

    6 years agoReply

    YUM! I’m a chai fanatic and this looks amazing! Heading to the store tomorrow to get the ingredients!

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      Let us know how it goes. My local store didn’t carry the cardamom or star anise. I had to go to a natural foods store.

  • Arianny Rodriguez

    6 years agoReply

    This is so great. I bet it’s delicious all winter long.

  • Lisa

    6 years agoReply

    Love that you found a way to have your favorite drink for a better price! Sometimes it is hard to do that! I have actually never had chai tea before. Sounds pretty good though! Thanks for sharing

  • Janine

    6 years agoReply

    Looks like a great recipe for any tea lover!

  • Amie Lara

    6 years agoReply

    I love chai tea! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

  • Courtney

    6 years agoReply

    This is so creative. I’m going to have to try this next time I go camping.

  • Michele

    6 years agoReply

    I’ve never tried Chai Tea, but this sounds wonderful!

  • Jennifer Morrison

    6 years agoReply

    What a lovely idea! I love Chai, but don’t like chai mixes because they are too sugary. I will have to give this a try. I also love the idea of giving it as a gift!

    • admin

      6 years agoReply

      the mixes are definitely too sweet

  • Brianna

    6 years agoReply

    Love this! Great gift idea. ?

  • Melanie Walsh

    6 years agoReply

    This recipe sounds absolutely delightful. I really enjoy chai tea, but have never tried making it at home. One more reason to book our next camping trip.

  • Rosanna

    6 years agoReply

    I love Chai tea! My Aunt was a missionary in India and she passed her recipe on to me.

  • Monica

    6 years agoReply

    This sounds delicious! I’ve only had chai tea once and remember if I liked it or not. Making it yourself has to taste so much better!

  • Tonya | the Writer Mom

    6 years agoReply

    I rarely drink chai, or any kind of tea, but this recipe does sound delicious!

  • Mary

    6 years agoReply

    This tea looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try it!

  • Kathy Phillips

    6 years agoReply

    This is a great recipe and it will save a lot of money. Especially for people who don’t have easy access to places that sell this. Great post.

  • Cat Palmer

    6 years agoReply

    Looks delishious!

  • Kathryn at QuestFor47

    6 years agoReply

    Great recipe! Love comfort foods and drinks that come with a little kick!

  • Faithnturtles

    6 years agoReply

    I love chai tea. Will try this.

  • angela

    5 years agoReply

    Never thought of this for camping, great idea!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to Mama Bear Outdoors

Sign up to get more great outdoor ideas, tips, and gear reviews. You want be spammed, I promise :)

Featured