duewhaa: Ginger and cardomom (from what my mom told me a long time ago) are used based on what region of India you’re from. We were from the southern state of India and used cardomom exclusively, never mixing ginger/cinnamon into the mix.
That said, do whatever you think will make the tea taste best but, if I had to add anything to this, I’d say either do the ginger or the cardomom by itself instead of combining them. It helps the flavors stick out more and avoids them being lost in the mix.
Also, it’s been noted by OP’s recipe but…just use regular sugar 😉
Pitta_: OP notes: you can pretty much add in any spices you like, but ginger and cardamom are *almost* always present. I also like a teeeeny bit of clove and anise in mine. The recipe here uses maple syrup as a sweetener but you can use any kind of sugar. also i’ve never seen it outside of new england, but chai spices and black tea steeped in hot cider (no milk) is fucking delicious and you should try it (don’t need any sugar!)
**INGREDIENTS**
* 1 1½-inch piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, coarsely grated
* 1 3-inch cinnamon stick, lightly crushed with the flat side of a knife
* 6 teaspoons loose strong black tea (such as Assam) or 6 tea bags (such as PG Tips)
* 14 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, or ¾ teaspoon cardamom seeds, lightly crushed
* 2¾ cups milk
* ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or other sweetener, to taste)
**PREPARATION**
Bring ginger, cinnamon, and 3½ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Lower heat and simmer rapidly, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by a third and very fragrant, about 20 minutes.
Remove pan from heat, stir in tea and cardamom, and let steep 2 minutes.
Return pan to medium-high heat and stir in milk and maple syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally and keeping a close watch, until mixture begins to foam up and boil, about 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Strain chai through a fine-mesh sieve into a teapot or pitcher and serve.
[(source)](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bas-best-masala-chai)
angusaditus: Looks good! Kind of a lot of work for a cup of tea, but for inviting guest over in these fall times it would be a cute thing to serve
TheBlindMonk: Too mucj cardamom. Alsp maple syrup? Use brown sugar or honey instead.
