A Simple Homemade Chai Spice Mix for Fall
I have been eagerly awaiting the cooler fall temperatures. There’s something about fall that calls for warm spices, cozy mugs, and the comfort of homemade goodness. One of my favorite ways to bring all of that together is with a homemade chai spice mix. It’s simple to make, versatile to use, and fills the kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Instead of buying chai blends from the store, you can mix up your own right at home with pantry staples. Not only is it more affordable, but you can also adjust it to your taste—make it spicier, sweeter, or more mellow depending on your mood.
What is Chai Spice?
“Chai” simply means tea in many parts of the world, but here in the U.S. it’s often shorthand for the spiced tea blend inspired by Indian masala chai. The spices usually include a balance of warming, earthy, and slightly sweet flavors—perfect for chilly autumn days.
There are other options, but this is what we like.
Homemade Chai Spice Mix Recipe
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 tablespoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Measure all of your spices into a small bowl.
Whisk until well combined (or just shake in a jar with lid in place).
Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months, though mine usually gets used up much faster!
This is a double batch.
How to Use Your Chai Spice Mix
This blend is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Chai Latte: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of the spice mix to your black tea, then stir in warm milk and a little honey or sugar. Specifically:
Combine 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of your chai spice mix in a saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat for several minutes to allow the flavors to bloom.
Add 1 cup of milk and 1–2 teaspoons of black tea leaves.
Bring to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat.
Strain into a mug and sweeten to taste.
Baking: Try it in cookies, muffins, quick breads, or even apple crisp for a spiced twist.
Coffee: Sprinkle a little into your coffee grounds before brewing, or stir it into your cup for instant flavor.
Oatmeal: A dash of chai spice turns a plain bowl of oats into a cozy breakfast.
Whipped Cream: Stir a bit into homemade whipped cream for topping pies and desserts.
A label for your jar.
Homemade spice blends keep life simple and intentional. You know exactly what’s in them, and you can mix them up in just minutes. It’s one more small step toward self-sufficiency and enjoying the rhythms of the season.
As the evenings get cooler and the days grow shorter, I find myself reaching for this chai spice mix more and more. Whether stirred into a cup of tea or baked into a batch of cookies, it’s a little jar of warmth to carry you through autumn.
Have you ever made your own spice blends at home? This one is a wonderful place to start.
Stay rooted,
Roxanne
