Bone Broth Masala Chai — The Warming Drink That Does More

Masala chai is already one of the most comforting drinks on the planet. But swap half the water for bone broth, and something unexpected happens — the spices bloom deeper, the body is richer, and you're getting a quiet hit of collagen and minerals with every sip. It tastes indulgent. It's actually nourishing.

This is the drink we make on cold mornings, after a long day, or whenever we want something that feels like a hug in a mug.

Serves: 2  |  Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup unseasoned chicken or beef bone broth (Nourish Yourself Bone Broth works beautifully here)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk or dairy-free alternative
• 3 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 3 cloves, crushed
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 slice fresh ginger, crushed
• 2 black tea bags or 2 tsp loose black tea leaves
• Sweetener to taste (optional — honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar all work)

Method

1. Simmer the spices. Combine the water, bone broth, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes until deeply fragrant.
2. Add the tea. Drop in the tea bags or loose leaves, lower the heat, and steep for 2–3 minutes. Don't over-steep — it'll turn bitter.
3. Pour in the milk. Add the milk and sweetener if using, and bring back to a gentle simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
4. Strain and serve. Remove from heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs, and serve hot.

Tips

• Unseasoned broth is key. Seasoned broth will fight the spices. Use a clean, unflavoured bone broth.
• Dairy-free? Oat milk gives the creamiest result; coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the cardamom.
• Make it stronger. Add an extra cardamom pod or a pinch of black pepper for more heat.
• Batch it. Double the recipe and refrigerate — reheat gently on the stovetop, don't microwave.

Why Bone Broth in Chai?

Traditional chai is already a functional drink — black tea for antioxidants, ginger for digestion, cardamom for gut support. Bone broth adds collagen peptides, glycine, and minerals that support joints, gut lining, and skin. You won't taste the broth — you'll just taste a richer, more complex chai.

Shop the Ingredients

• Nourish Yourself Chicken Bone Broth →
• Nourish Yourself Beef Bone Broth →

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