Take Hot Chocolate Up A Notch With Chai

There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming mug of hot chocolate. But what if we told you there's a way to elevate this classic treat to new heights of cozy flavors? Enter chai-infused hot chocolate, which combines the warmth of hot chocolate with the aromatic spices of chai tea. Depending on how you make it, you'll get all of the delicious chocolate from the standard drink along with the warmth of the spices and even a little caffeine from the tea itself.

Bringing together the richness of hot chocolate and the complexity of chai is surprisingly simple. Start by brewing a strong cup of chai using a bag of your favorite chai tea blend along with extra spices. You can steep it in water or plant-based milk, but traditional masala chai recipes use a mixture of whole milk and water. You can either use equal parts milk and water for a creamier drink, or two parts water to one part milk, depending on your preference. The combination of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger will create a fragrant base that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolatey goodness of hot chocolate.

Once your chai tea is ready, it's time to merge the flavors. You can either stir in the hot cocoa mix into the prepared chai tea or you can melt chocolate into the steeped milk. Both will work well to add depth to your hot chocolate. For an even easier route, simply add a scoop of your favorite chai powdered blend to a prepared cup of hot chocolate for all of the decadent and zesty spiced goodness without the stovetop work. 

Why stop there? You can customize your chai spice blend by adding more of what you love — whether it is nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger. But to take your chai-infused hot chocolate to the next level of indulgence, consider adding in more flavor by topping your hot chocolate with classic ingredients.

You can also top your drink with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra twist, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder over the cream. Use a fine grater to create delicate curls of your favorite chocolate bar. Let them cascade over the surface of your drink, gradually melting and mingling with the chai-spiced goodness below.

Alternatively, opt for large, fluffy marshmallows that will melt gently into your chai-infused hot chocolate, releasing pockets of gooey sweetness with every sip. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Their satisfying crunch provides a delightful contrast to the velvety texture of the hot chocolate.

So when you have a craving for comfort, let chai-infused hot chocolate be your answer. With the aromatic charm of chai spices entwined with the heartwarming familiarity of hot chocolate, each sip becomes an indulgence.