Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe – Color Your Tea Time!

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Kashmiri Pink Chai, a tea that isn’t just brewed, but is celebrated for its vibrant hue and unique taste. Known locally as Noon Chai, this blush-toned brew takes you on a sensory journey to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas with every sip.

Kashmiri Pink Chai is distinguished not only by its color but also by its delightful flavor. It combines the nutty depth of salt, the creaminess of milk, and a subtle hint of baking soda to achieve its iconic pink coloration. Infused with a bouquet of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, this tea is a warm embrace on a chilly day.

Ready to paint your tea time pink?

Follow this Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe and brew a drink that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a unique and aromatic experience!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Distinctive Color: Kashmiri Pink Chai boasts a unique pink hue that sets it apart from other teas, making it not only a feast for the palate but also a visual treat.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: This tea offers a taste of Kashmiri tradition, embodying the culinary artistry and historical richness of the region, providing a cultural experience with each sip.
• Aromatic Spice Blend: The infusion of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise imparts a warm, comforting aroma and a complex flavor profile that spice lovers will adore.
• Health Benefits: The spices used in Kashmiri Pink Chai are known for their health-promoting properties, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Kashmiri Pink Chai can be enjoyed in various ways — it can be served hot for a soothing effect on cold days or chilled as a refreshing summer beverage.

Ingredients

Kashmiri Pink Chai is crafted from a delightful mix of ingredients, each adding its own special touch to this exquisite beverage.

The base is made from special Kashmiri / Himalayan green tea leaves known for their rich flavor.

Baking soda is added to transform the tea’s color to its signature pink hue (more about this later). Aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise infuse the tea with warmth and a heavenly scent. Salt brings out the depth of flavors, while milk softens and enriches the drink, enhancing its creamy texture.

Optionally, sweeten with sugar or honey to taste, and garnish with crushed nuts for a festive touch.

Ingredients for making 4 cups of Kashmiri Pink Chai:

• 4 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-2 star anise
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of whole milk
• Sugar or honey to taste
• Crushed nuts (like pistachios or almonds) for garnish (optional)

How to Make Kashmiri Pink Chai

Preparing Kashmiri Pink Chai typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes the time needed to boil the tea with spices, simmer it to reduce and intensify the flavors, and the final steps of adding milk and adjusting sweetness.

Yes, the process is a bit slow, but it’s necessary to allow all the flavors to be properly infused. The result is a richly spiced and visually striking tea that’s well worth the effort.

So where exactly does the pink color come from?

The pink color of Kashmiri Pink Chai comes from a reaction between the tea leaves and baking soda. When baking soda is added to the tea, it changes the pH level, which alters the natural pigments in the tea leaves, turning the tea a vibrant pink. This color deepens further with the addition of milk.

Step-by-step instructions for making 4 cups of Kashmiri Pink Chai:

1. Boil the Tea Leaves:
   • In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and boil for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Baking Soda:
   • Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The water will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
3. Add Spices:
   • Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. Allow the mixture to boil for another minute.
4. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20-30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume, intensifying the flavor and color.
5. Add Salt:
   • Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt and mix well.
6. Pour in Milk:
   • Add 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat, bringing the tea to a boil. Stir constantly to avoid burning the milk. As the milk boils, the tea will begin to turn pink.
7. Strain and Serve:
   • Once the chai is a beautiful pink color, remove it from heat. Strain it into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves.
8. Sweeten and Garnish:
   • Sweeten with sugar or honey according to taste. Garnish with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds if desired.
9. Enjoy:
   • Serve hot and enjoy the unique flavor and comforting warmth of Kashmiri Pink Chai!

Iced Version of Kashmiri Pink Chai

To make an iced version of Kashmiri Pink Chai, follow the recipe above to prepare the tea, including boiling the leaves with spices and adding milk to turn it pink.

After the tea is brewed and strained, allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled.

Serve over a glass full of ice, and garnish with crushed nuts or spices for a refreshing twist on this traditional warm beverage. You can also add some pink rose buds or other edible pink flowers to emphasize the pink color.

Enjoy a cool, flavorful sip of iced Kashmiri Pink Chai on a hot day!

Tips & Variations

• Enhance with Cream: For a richer texture, replace half of the milk with heavy cream or use condensed milk for added sweetness and creaminess.
• Experiment with Spices: Introduce other spices such as cloves, peppercorns, or a pinch of nutmeg to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
• Vegan Alternative: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk to make a vegan version of the Kashmiri Pink Chai.
• Adjust the Color: If you want a more vibrant pink, experiment with the amount of baking soda slightly, as it reacts with the tea to enhance the pink color.
• Serve with Saffron: Add a few strands of saffron during the last boiling phase for an exotic aroma and a hint of luxury, enhancing the overall experience of the tea.