How to Brew Chai from Your 40 Tea Bag Collection

By Loose Leaf Tea Blends | Bird & Blend Tea Co. | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew a rich, spiced chai using tea bags from the 40 Tea Bag Essential Collection. Step-by-step guide with steeping tips for the perfect cup.

Quick answer

To brew a spiced chai using your 40 Tea Bag Essential Collection, select a chai blend tea bag, steep it in hot milk or a milk-water mix for 3–5 minutes, and add sweetener and spices to taste.

Why Use Tea Bags for Chai?

Chai traditionally uses loose leaf tea and simmering spices, but tea bags offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. The 40 Tea Bag Essential Collection includes plastic-free, biodegradable bags that are easy to use at home or on the go. You still get a robust, spiced cup when you steep them properly.

One trade-off: tea bags contain smaller leaf pieces, which release flavor faster. That means you need to watch the steeping time to avoid bitterness. A shorter steep (3 minutes) gives a milder chai, while 5 minutes yields a stronger, spicier brew.

Steps to Brew Spiced Chai with Tea Bags

Step 1: Choose your chai tea bag: Select a chai blend from the 40 Tea Bag Essential Collection. Look for bags labeled 'Chai' or with spiced notes like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger. Not all tea bags in the collection are chai. Check the box description or the bag itself to pick a chai blend.
Step 2: Heat your liquid: Heat 8 oz (240 ml) of water or a 50/50 mix of water and milk in a saucepan or kettle. For a creamier chai, use whole milk or a plant-based alternative like oat milk. Bring to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Avoid boiling milk directly as it can scorch. Heat it gently and stir occasionally.
Step 3: Steep the tea bag: Place the tea bag in your cup or mug. Pour the hot liquid over it and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the cup with a saucer to keep heat in. The longer you steep, the stronger the spice flavor. Set a timer. Steeping over 5 minutes can make the tea bitter, especially with milk.
Step 4: Add sweetener and extra spices (optional): Remove the tea bag and stir in your preferred sweetener—honey, sugar, or maple syrup work well. For a more intense chai, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or fresh ginger while the liquid is hot. Start with 1 teaspoon of sweetener and adjust. Too much can mask the tea's natural spice notes.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy: Pour the chai into your favorite mug. If you used a milk-water mix, the chai will be creamy and rich. Serve hot and sip slowly to appreciate the layers of spice. For an iced version, brew double-strength and pour over ice. The tea bag method works for cold brew too—just steep in cold milk overnight in the fridge.

Product facts

40 Tea Bag Essential Collection: The 40 Tea Bag Essential Collection includes 40 individually wrapped, plastic-free & biodegradable tea bags with a selection of Bird & Blend Tea Co.'s most-loved blends. It gives you a variety of chai and other blends to try, and the biodegradable bags make cleanup easy after brewing.
40 Tea Bag Essential Collection