Chai Popsicles

“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you; if you are excited it will calm you.” -William Ewart Gladstone

Chai Popsicles Chai (black tea leaves brewed with water, a blend of spices and milk) was one of the first things my mom taught me how to make. It was her way of introducing me to the kitchen, and eventually getting a break after work before she was back in the kitchen prepping for dinner. Piping hot chai holds a warm place in the hearts of many Indians.

Chai Popsicles When I was younger I thought it was odd that on a hot day my Mom would want a ‘garam’ (hot) chai but she would tell me it was refreshing. She explained that when one drinks chai the body is actually cooled as the body’s core temperature is raised above the surrounding temperature. The selection of herbs and/or spices you add in your chai also makes a difference in it’s cooling and warming properties. I now completely “get” what she meant and chai is an everyday necessity in our house.

Chai Popsicles While chai is made during all four seasons in most Indian households, I thought it would be refreshing to try a colder version of chai for hot summer days and transform them into popsicles. They have coffee ice cream, pops & gelato so why not chai popsicles?! After all, what’s more refreshing during the sweltering heat then a cold popsicle with a caffeine kick. I started out with a basic chai recipe and added some of my favorite spices. I also substituted heavy cream for milk for a richer, creamier flavor. The best part about these chai popsicles is that they are completely customizable! Make your grandmothers age old recipe or add your new favorite spice, the possibilities are endless. Due to the caffeine in chai, these cold treats would be better suited for us moms (and dads) rather than our little ones. These chai popsicles would be a wonderful pallet cleanser after a spicy meal or cooling treat on a hot summers day.

Chai Popsicles

Chai Popsicles
 
Cook time
Total time
 
Creamy chai popsicles flavored with cardamom, ginger & heavy cream. Perfect for hot summer days.
Author:
Recipe type: Desserts
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 cups water
  • 3-4 whole green cardamom pods, smashed
  • ½ tablespoon crushed ginger
  • 1 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Method
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat, add tea leaves and simmer for 3-4 minutes, brewing the tea.
  2. Add the heavy cream and sugar and simmer for another minute. Turn off the heat and let steep for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour into heat safe container through a fine mesh sieve. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Once mixture is at room temperature beat with a risk or hand mixer until frothy. Distribute into popsicle molds (I froze in 2oz. ice cube molds but you can use what you have on hand) and freeze overnight.

Chai Popsicles Enjoy!

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