Original Masala Chai - Yogic Chai

All I can say is mmmmm......

Yesterday I mentioned that there is not a single drink that is "chai." There are many recipes and styles. However, this mix from Yogic Chai is what comes to mind when I usually think of chai...And it is fantastic.

This Masala Chai blend uses an organic Assam as a base. To it is added organic green cardamom, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, and organic ginger. The Assam appears to have been rolled into tight pearls. The dry leaf and spice mix is rich with color and visual interest.

I brewed this tea according to Yogic Chai's recommendations: I placed 1 cup of water in a pot with 1 tsp Masala Chai. I brought it to a boil and then simmered 2 1/2 minutes. I then added 1/4 cup milk and simmered for 1 more minute. I sweetened (as directed) with 1 tbs maple syrup. (That definitely took me by surprise.) Then I strained it into a mug.

The aroma was heavenly - creamy and sweet. The first sip was just as I had hoped. The drink was full of body and sweetness. The tea flavor clearly came through as did the spices, each in turn. I generally do like a bit more spice - as is provided by the peppercorns present in some other blends - but in the end I didn't miss it. Each sip brought flavors of cinnamon and cloves... reminding me of gingerbread. I find it interesting that yesterday's Indonique Masala Chai reminded me of maple, yet this tea which had maple as a sweetener, did not have that flavor! The maple just melted to provide a lovely sweetness.

Tea: Original Masala Chai
Source: Yogic Chai
Type: Assam tea based chai
Brewing details: Stovetop - 8 ounces water and 1 tsp tea - Heat to boiling then simmer 2 - 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup milk and simmer 1 minute. Strain and sweeten with 1 tbs maple syrup.
Comment: I highly recommend this offering from Yogic Chai. (And the fact that it is organic makes me even more enthusiastic.) I look forward to trying some of their other chais. Thank you to Yogic Chai for providing this sample.

For more information on tea, please visit The Tea Pages website.