A rainy roof, a foggy morning or a cold evening with a cup of chai in your hands is what is so magical about the rain. Winter and chai are as much of a go together as samosas and ketchup in Pakistan. It is not just plain doodh patti that can get warm this season.
Away from the cold, ease your chilly throat and add a bit more comfort to short, foggy days with these warming chai recipes this winter. Below each recipe, a strong base, Qamar Tea Gold or Qamar Tea PF1, is suitable to use for every recipe.
Why Winter Is the Best Season for Chai
When it comes to warmth and comfort, it's a natural inclination to want to drink more during the colder days, and chai has it covered. The uses of ingredients such as ginger, cardamom and black pepper are not limited to their warming effect; these items also have other natural warming properties that countless people in Pakistan rely on for a soothing effect when they get a cold, a scratchy throat, or feel generally unwell during the cold winter months. These spices, when used with a robust tea patti, not only provide a delicious flavour boost to the cup of tea, but they also make enjoying a cup of tea a daily act of self-care.
1. Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea)
Adrak chai is the most popular winter chai in Pakistani households; people enjoy its spicy flavour, and it is also beneficial for a sore throat and congested nose.
How to make it:
- Boil 2 cups of water with 1-inch piece of crushed ginger for 2 minutes.
- Then add 1.5 teaspoons of Qamar Tea Gold and boil for another 2 minutes.
- Add milk and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sugar to taste, strain and serve hot.
Why it works: The natural heat of ginger complements the intensity of the Qamar Tea Gold to make a chai that cuts the cold winter.
2. Elaichi Chai (Cardamom Tea)
Elaichi chai is a fragrant and slightly sweet chai with a wonderful aroma and makes any winter evening look like a festive season.
How to make it:
- Grind 3-4 green cardamom pods and place in boiling water.
- Once it comes to a boil, add 1 teaspoon Qamar Tea PF1 and boil for 2 minutes.
- Simmer, adding milk and sugar as desired.
- Strain and offer — the scent will heat up the room.
Why it works: Cardamom always makes a delicious addition to winter tea, and it is a popular choice for the holiday season.
3. Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
If you're craving the ultimate winter experience, masala chai is a combination of several warming spices, all in one rich, fragrant cup.
How to make it:
- Add a pinch of ginger, cardamom, cloves and a small stick of cinnamon to boiling water.
- Let the spices boil for 2–3 minutes to release their flavour.
- Once 1.5 teaspoons of the Qamar Tea Gold have been added, simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and simmer for 2- 3 minutes; add sugar if necessary and strain before serving.
Why it works: The spices provide layers of warmth and flavour, and complement the deep and rich base of Gold tea.
4. Kali Mirch Chai (Black Pepper Tea)
Kali mirch chai is another lesser-known but very effective winter chai recipe that is popular to cure winter coldness and chest congestion.
How to make it:
- Crush some black pepper and ginger and add them to boiling water.
- Take 1 teaspoon of Qamar Tea Gold and boil for 2 minutes.
- Add milk, simmer, sweeten, strain and serve hot.
How it works: Black pepper is an excellent tea flavour, but for those who don't like that extra kick, it provides a subtle spice that helps warm them up in the winter and helps soothe sore throats.
5. Saunf Chai (Fennel Tea)
Saunf chai (harsh tea) is a milder version of chai that is easier on the stomach and can be enjoyed as a nightcap or after-dinner chai.
How to make it:
- Lightly crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and add to boiling water.
- Add Qamar Tea Classic 1 teaspoon, and boil for 2 minutes.
- Add milk, simmer for a few minutes, sweeten to taste and strain.
Why it's a good choice: A mild and slightly sweet flavour of fennel is a perfect match for a smoother tea such as Qamar Tea Classic, which makes it a great choice for a lighter evening cup.
Tips for the Perfect Winter Chai
Use freshly broken spices rather than powdered; more flavour and natural oils will be released.
To ensure that the flavour of spices is thoroughly incorporated into the water, they should be boiled before the tea leaves are added.
If you're using a spiced tea, you can use a stronger combination like Qamar Tea Gold, as the spices can overpower a lighter tea.
Avoid over-steaming milk, or it will have a "cooked" flavour.
Keep them in airtight containers to keep them off moisture to preserve them throughout the season and keep them with your tea patti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Qamar Tea blend is best for winter chai recipes?
For spiced winter teas such as adrak, masala and kali mirch chai, Qamar Tea Gold is best suited because its bold strength doesn't get lost with all the spices added in. In lighter dishes such as saunf chai, Qamar Tea Classic provides a more balanced and smoother tea base.
Does ginger tea really help with colds?
In Pakistan, ginger is used as a natural remedy for sore throat and congestion in wintertime. Although it is not a cure for colds or flu, it is a popular comfort drink during the cold and flu season due to its warming properties and pleasant taste.
Can I prepare winter chai spices in advance?
Yes. A dry mixture of ginger, cardamom, clove and cinnamon can be made and stored in an airtight container. This will enable you to prepare masala chai easily without crushing fresh spices every time.
How is winter chai different from regular doodh patti?
Regular doodh patti is prepared by using only tea leaves, milk and sugar; winter chai recipes feature spices such as ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, etc., which are warming in nature. These spices add additional warming, aromatic and flavoured qualities to the tea, appropriate for cold weather.
Final Thoughts
No winter season is complete without a cup of chai in hand, and these spiced recipes make a cup of chai something to look forward to. If you like a spicy kick, try adrak chai; if you like a warm fragrance, try elaichi chai; if you like a hot and hearty cup, try masala chai; a good base tea makes all the difference.
Looking to make your winter brew? Try Shop Qamar Tea Gold with Chai and enjoy the full range of Qamar Tea to discover your favourite winter tea.
