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Chai Spice Cold Brew Recipe

Chai Spice Cold Brew Recipe

Smooth, refreshing chai spice cold brew recipe made with coffee, warming spices,
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3 glass
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-inspired, Modern Coffee)
Calories: 5
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Cold Brew Base
  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
  • 4 cups cold filtered water
Chai Spice Blend
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 –5 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • Smash them a bit. Let them breathe.
  • 3 –4 whole cloves
  • ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • Or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger when life’s busy.
  • Optional: a pinch of black pepper
  • Trust me… it doesn’t taste peppery.
Optional Add-Ins Later
  • Milk or plant milk
  • Honey maple syrup, jaggery, or sugar
  • 1 –2 drops vanilla extract

Equipment

  • A large glass jar or French press
  • Coarse coffee grounds
  • Fine strainer, cheesecloth, or paper filter
  • A spoon

Method
 

Step 1: Toast the Spices (Optional, But You’ll Taste the Difference)
  1. I won’t lie — sometimes I skip this.
  2. But when I don’t?
  3. Heat a dry pan on low
  4. Add whole spices
  5. Toast for 30–45 seconds until fragrant
  6. Don’t walk away. Burnt spices ruin everything.
  7. Let them cool fully before using.
Step 2: Combine Like You Mean It
  1. Add coffee grounds and spices to your jar or French press.
  2. Pour in cold water.
  3. Stir gently. No aggressive energy here.
  4. You’re not angry at the coffee.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Forget (Mostly)
  1. Cover and refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
  2. I usually aim for 14–16 hours.
  3. Once I forgot it overnight and halfway into the next day. Still fine. Just stronger.
  4. Cold brew is forgiving like that.
Step 4: Strain Slowly — Seriously, Slowly
  1. Strain through your chosen method.
  2. Don’t press. Don’t squeeze.
  3. Let gravity do the work.
  4. Cloudy coffee = rushed coffee.
  5. Ask me how I know.