Kashmiri Pink Chai: A Vibrant and Aromatic Tea Experience
By Liam Carter
Kashmiri Pink Chai transforms ordinary tea into a stunning pink drink through a unique brewing process that enhances flavors and aromas. With each sip, indulge in the warming spices that create depth, making this tea both visually appealing and richly flavorful. The secret to its pink hue lies in a reaction between baking soda and the tea leaves, which reveals the enchanting color once milk is added.
This chai is crafted with Himalayan green tea, baking soda, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon, providing a comforting beverage that embodies tradition. The specific choice of green tea elevates the flavor, while the baking soda plays a crucial role in achieving the signature pink color. Whole milk enriches the chai, resulting in a creamy texture, making it more indulgent.
While preparing this tea, the key sign of success is when the tea has simmered long enough to reduce in volume, intensifying its color and flavor. Rushing the simmering process can lead to a weak infusion, so it's vital to allow those 20-30 minutes for the chai to develop fully. Stirring constantly after adding milk prevents burning, ensuring every sip remains smooth and pleasant.
Kashmiri Pink Chai can be served hot or chilled over ice for a refreshing beverage. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days, but it's best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its unique texture and flavor profile.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Transforms ordinary tea into a vibrant pink drink by using baking soda, which reacts with the leaves to create that coveted hue.
- Aromatic spices like cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon infuse warmth and complexity, enhancing the depth of flavor in each serving.
- Rich whole milk added at the end results in a creamy, smooth texture that beautifully complements the spiced flavors.
- Brewed slowly, this chai allows flavors to develop, ensuring a deep, rich taste rather than a rushed, bland infusion.
- Versatile for both hot and chilled serving, it provides a refreshing experience in summer months and warm comfort during winter.
Ingredients
- •2 cups water
- •1 tablespoon Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
- •0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- •1 piece star anise
- •4 pieces cardamom pods (crushed)
- •1 piece cinnamon stick
- •0.25 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt (or other salt)
- •1 cup whole milk
- •sugar (or honey to taste)
Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- 2
Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
- 4
Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the boiling tea.
- 5
Allow the mixture to boil for another minute.
- 6
Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20-30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume.
- 7
Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt and mix well.
- 8
Add whole milk and increase the heat, bringing the tea to a low boil.
- 9
Stir constantly to avoid burning the milk until the tea has a nice pink color.
- 10
Remove from heat, add sugar to your teacups, and strain the tea into cups.
- 11
Give the tea a final stir to dissolve the sugar and serve hot.
