Chai, a spiced tea, can be adapted to make it more suitable and healthy for the summer months. Here are some tips to make a refreshing and healthy summer chai:
Brew your chai as usual, then let it cool. Pour it over ice for a refreshing summer drink. You can also add some cold milk (dairy or plant-based) to your iced chai for a creamy, cooling beverage.
Add fresh mint leaves to your chai for a cooling effect. You can also try adding fennel seeds during the brewing process. It has cooling properties which can make chai healthy during summer.
Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup sparingly. Avoid using refined sugar, instead, consider using zero-calorie sweeteners if you need to reduce sugar intake.
While ginger is warming, you can use a smaller amount or skip it entirely for a cooler chai. Also, use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon to control the flavour intensity.
Use a caffeine-free base like rooibos or chamomile to avoid the heat-generating effects of caffeine. For a lighter option, use green tea with lower caffeine levels and a refreshing taste.
Use almond, coconut or oat milk instead of regular milk for a lighter, summer-friendly chai. However, if using dairy, opt for low-fat or skimmed milk to reduce heaviness.
Freeze brewed chai into ice cubes and add them to your drink to prevent dilution. You can also use mint or fruit-infused ice cubes for added flavour.