Best Chai Tea for Summer

Situated in the southwest, our anticipation of Summer might arrive a bit earlier than yours. You may wonder what chai tea is best for summer? We're here to assist you in continuing to relish your beloved chai teas throughout the upcoming hot months. 

What is a Chai Tea?

Chai tea is a traditional Indian beverage. Tea masters typically use black tea for chai as a base and blending in a mixture of aromatic spices and herbs. The most common spices in chai include ginger root, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and black peppercorn. Spiced chai teas offer a unique blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that make it a popular choice for tea lovers worldwide.

The spicy flavors of chai are what we crave. Perfect when you are cozied up to a fireplace. But with the warm summer months ahead, black tea leaves create a robust flavor. Is there a way to lighten up the spiced tea so you have a refreshing cup for warmer days?

Consider lightening up your spicy chai teas is by switching out the base tea. Instead of the traditional black tea base, try a lighter base such as green tea, white tea, or a Chai herbal tea. Green tea has a more delicate flavor that pairs well with the spices in chai.

The lighter flavor of white tea is a little less intense. Herbal teas like rooibos that are a naturally caffeine free provide a decaf chai tea alternative.

Another way to enjoy this spicy tea in the summer is to make it into a delicious iced chai tea latte. Simply brew a strong cup of loose leaf tea in hot water. After it cools, pour it over ice with some milk or a dairy-free alternative for a sugar free chai latte.

Another option is to make a cold chai tea smoothie. Blend your chai with frozen fruit, yogurt, and a handful of spinach for a nutritious and refreshing treat.

Best Warm Weather Chai Flavors

Some chai tea we consider to be the best tea for summer:

• Green Chai is a delicious combination of green tea and various spices. It includes cinnamon, orange, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and natural spice flavor. These ingredients are perfectly balanced for a harmonious mix of flavors.
• Vanilla Chai is a rooibos chai blend. The tea base is smooth, creamy, and mellow. It provides a background for the delicious orange and vanilla bean flavors.
• Thai Chai contains black tea, but the Thai spices, creamy coconut, and lemongrass create a refreshing and fruity blend.
• White Chai offers a refreshing and light taste that is perfect for those who prefer a milder tea experience. The unique blend of white tea with lemongrass, apple pieces, and pineapple pieces 
• Turmeric Chai has an earthy flavor that blends beautifully with the warm spiciness of ginger and clove. The soft sweet flavor of cinnamon and a touch of fennel add a unique twist. 
• White Ayurvedic is a white tea that begins with the traditional chai flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Adding coconut, pineapple pieces, and natural ginger flavor gives a rich and flavorful taste without being too spicy.
• Samurai Spirit is an elegant Yerba Mate tea with chai spices and subtle tropical fruit flavors, creating a deliciously energizing cup.

These flavors offer a variety of options for chai tea enthusiasts to enjoy. 

What to Add to Chai Tea

Many enjoy this spiced blend with some dairy. Aside from simply milk and sugar, feel free to use your dairy of choice such as oat milk or coconut milk. Loose leaf chai tea is sugar free. For a touch of sweetness, add a little brown sugar, honey, or a splash of vanilla syrup. Drop in some ice cubes for a refreshing iced latte.

Can Hot Drinks in Summer Cool You Down?

It may seem counterintuitive to drink hot cups of tea in the summer. Nonetheless, research has shown that drinking hot beverages can indeed assist in lowering your body temperature. Heat from the drink may stimulate your body's natural cooling mechanisms, making you feel cooler in the long run.

So, cold brew iced or hot, don't be afraid to enjoy a delicious cup of the best chai tea this summer!