Drinks

Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Name: Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea leaves; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1–2 star anise; 2 cardamom pods, crushed; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 cups whole milk; Sugar or honey to taste; Crushed pistachios or almonds

ByJeannette Jaeger January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

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Introduction

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a fragrant and visually stunning tea from the Kashmir region, known for its unique pink color and rich, spiced flavor. This comforting beverage combines green tea leaves with warming spices and creamy milk for a soothing treat any time of day.

A tall clear glass filled with a light pink creamy drink that has small pieces of darker pink floating inside it. The drink is topped with several clear ice cubes, a small bright pink rose, and a few tiny green leaves and dark pink dried flower bits. The glass is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered small pink petals, star anise, and a couple of cinnamon sticks tied with a string nearby. In the background, there is a small white ramekin filled with dried rose petals and a wooden tray holding some more silver spoons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea leaves
½ teaspoon baking soda
1–2 star anise
2 cardamom pods, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
Sugar or honey to taste
Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea leaves and boil for 5 minutes to extract the flavor.
Step 2: Stir in ½ teaspoon of baking soda. The water will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add 1–2 star anise, 2 crushed cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick. Boil the mixture for 1 more minute to infuse the spices.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors and color to deepen.
Step 5: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add 2 cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring. The tea will gradually develop its distinctive pink hue.
Step 6: Strain the tea into cups. Sweeten with sugar or honey according to your taste. Garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use Himalayan or Kashmiri green tea leaves for the authentic flavor and color; substitutes may affect the pink hue.
Adjust the amount of baking soda carefully, as it helps create the pink color but too much can alter the taste.
For a vegan version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, though the color may be less vivid.
Add a pinch of saffron for a luxurious aroma and enhanced color.

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 combine the milk and tea. Avoid boiling again to maintain the delicate flavor and color.

How to Serve

A tall clear glass filled with a light pink creamy drink, with visible small rose petal pieces mixed inside. The drink is topped with several clear ice cubes, a bright pink rose flower, a small green cardamom pod, and a tiny leaf resting on the surface. The glass is placed on a light wooden board with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried rose petals scattered around. In the background, there is another glass with the same pink drink. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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 distinctive pink color?

The pink color develops through the combination of Kashmiri green tea leaves, baking soda, and the slow addition of milk. Baking soda changes the tea’s pH, which helps bring out the pink hue as milk is added and the tea simmers.

Can I use regular green tea leaves instead of Kashmiri green tea?

Regular green tea leaves are milder and may not produce the rich flavor or the vibrant pink color that Kashmiri green tea offers. For the best authentic taste and appearance, it’s recommended to use the traditional Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea leaves.