When it comes to stocking your home bar, versatility is everything. While classics like gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum form the solid foundation of any drink collection, you also want to have something for every mood and moment, including those cosy mornings and relaxed evenings.
For these occasions, nothing beats a cup of chai tea. This café-style favourite is a warm and spiced alternative when you’re after more than a classic spirit. However, it’s also versatile enough to inspire new, creative twists, think creamy lattes and chai-spiced cocktails. So, while you’re lining up your bottles and glassware, don’t forget to add chai tea to your home bar.
Chai Flavours and Powders
Traditionally, preparing this spiced tea is a process that can take 10–15 minutes per batch, and it leaves plenty of room for little mistakes that can affect the taste or texture. Thankfully, there are plenty of convenient chai tea powders that capture the essence of this drink without the simmering and spice grinding.
Take, for instance, Arkadia chai mixes. You can use these blends to speed up the process and serve rich, aromatic drinks that don’t compromise on flavour or quality. These powders are versatile and easy to use. All you need to do is mix them with milk or water, steam or froth if desired, and serve.
Plus, Arkadia’s chai powders come in convenient 1kg bags, so it’s easy to stock up your home bar. With one bag, you can make around 35 to 40 chai lattes, enough to keep you cosy through the season or to share with family and friends whenever they drop by.
Putting numbers aside, Arkadia’s powders come in a few popular flavours. The Classic Chai Tea Spice is a traditional warming blend of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The Vanilla Chai comes with a creamy vanilla twist, while the Gingerbread Chai is perfect for the holiday season. You can pick the classic one for a reliable staple, then add other flavours for variety.
Chai-Inspired Drinks to Try
Chai lattes are probably one of the most popular chai-infused drinks. Made by blending a variety of spices, black tea, and frothed milk, they’re comforting and flavorful. If you’d rather skip the brewing and spice mixing, you can always opt for quick and fuss-free latte mixes from brands like Arkadia.
All you have to do is add hot milk (dairy and plant-based both work well) or water to the mix for a café-style drink with an authentic spiced flavour. Some brands even offer chai latte mixes in different variations, like classic spiced or vanilla versions.
If you’re after a refreshing option, you can make frappes with chai blends too. Just add the mix to milk, throw in some ice, and blend until smooth and creamy. To be sure the blend works well for frappes, first check the packaging. If it says that it’s suitable for both hot and cold drinks, then you shouldn’t have a problem whipping up a frappe.
Also, these blends can be used to create spiced cocktails. When you’re up for a fun, refreshing twist on your evening drink, mix them with your favourite spirits, add a splash of milk or cream, and a hint of sweetness, and you have a chai-inspired drink that’s perfect for entertaining or winding down.
Syrups, for instance, are an easy way to sweeten, balance, or change the taste of your tea-inspired cocktails. With just a pump or two, you can you can shift the flavour in another direction. So, alongside Arkadia tea blends, maybe you can consider stocking a few of this brand’s syrups to give your drinks extra flair.
Next, chai blends can also be used to create indulgent dessert-style beverages. For instance, you can add your chai mix to hot chocolate for a warming, aromatic treat or blend it into a creamy milkshake for a sweet twist.
Storing Chai in Style
As already mentioned, most chai powders come in resealable pouches for convenience and freshness. Although practical, keeping bags and tubs on display may spoil your home bar’s aesthetics. Instead, you can transfer your blends into glass jars.
Simple yet effective, glass containers create a chic yet homely appearance. They keep your bar looking neat and make scooping quick and easy. Plus, they also stand the test of time if you choose to switch up your kitchen décor or your home bar colour scheme.
To elevate your storage game, you can create luxurious-looking labels with the blend’s names. This will add a stylish touch while keeping everything organised and easy to find. Also, a dedicated spoon or small scoop makes serving fuss-free and keeps your blends clean.
Also, to keep every cup fresh and avoid waste, make sure to always finish opened bags before starting new ones. This is an easy trick for the best flavour every time.
