Drinks

Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Name: Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons green tea leaves; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 2 cups cold water; 2 cups whole milk; 4 cardamom pods, crushed; 1 small cinnamon stick; 2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios; 1 tablespoon chopped almonds

Byanna orden January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

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Introduction

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a fragrant and visually stunning tea with a delicate pink hue, thanks to its unique brewing process. This traditional beverage combines green tea leaves with aromatic spices and nuts, offering a warming, slightly sweet flavor perfect for any time of day.

A pinkish frothy drink fills a white cup with a handle, topped with green cardamom pods and small rose petals and spices for decoration. The cup sits on a white plate that holds two cinnamon sticks and a dark brown star anise, with a gold spoon placed next to the cup handle. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with blurry white flowers in the background, creating a warm and cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons green tea leaves
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups cold water
2 cups whole milk
4 cardamom pods, crushed
1 small cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon chopped almonds

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the green tea leaves in 2 cups of cold water with the baking soda for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid turns a deep burgundy color.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of ice-cold water to the mixture and whisk or pour the tea between containers to aerate and lighten the color.
Step 3: Return the tea to the heat, add the whole milk, and bring it to a gentle simmer. You will notice the color changing to a soft pink.
Step 4: Stir in the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, sugar, and salt. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Strain the tea into cups and garnish with the chopped pistachios and almonds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, you can use evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
Adjust the sugar to your taste or substitute with honey for a natural sweetener.
Feel free to add a pinch of saffron for an extra aroma and color boost.

Storage

Store leftover pink chai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A tall white ceramic mug filled with a light brown frothy drink topped with green cardamom pods and small pink dried petals sits at the center of a white plate. The plate holds two cinnamon sticks lying parallel and a dark brown star anise pod. A small brass spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled texture with some out-of-focus flowers and rustic elements in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What gives Kashmiri Pink Chai its pink color?

The pink color results from the combination of green tea leaves boiled with baking soda and then aerated before adding milk. This process changes the tea’s color from deep burgundy to a unique pink shade.

Can I make Kashmiri Pink Chai without baking soda?

Baking soda is essential to the color transformation and helps soften the tea’s tannins. Without it, the tea won’t develop the characteristic pink hue, but it will still be flavorful.