First time visitors to a ‘real’ tea store are often surprised to find that Chai is not traditionally poured prepared from a concentrate which is highly sweetened. So we always give a little background about Chai, as a spiced black tea enjoyed in India and surrounding areas with steamed milk. Many that try authentic chai add little, if any sweetener, so I figure we are doing a good job educating their palette.
So when I was discovered Coconut chai, I must admit I was a little heisitant. Would I be messing with a traditional beverage and adding to the confusion? I learned two things from this venture. First, there are almost as many recipes for chai, as there are Indian households. Spices are chosen to taste, and often ground fresh. Second, a little experimentation can add a new dimension to an old favorite.
The addition of a little coconut seems to give the chai a smoother character, and add a slight natural sweetness. One other thing I noticed in this tea is that even people that do not normally like coconut do enjoy it when added to the other spices in the tea.
As for me, I have another beverage to enjoy in the morning!
