Kashmiri Pink Noon Chai Spiced Tea

A Tea That Blushes

Have you ever seen a pink drink? I still remember my first cup of this tea. It was like magic in a cup. The color is so soft and pretty. It makes any morning feel special.

This is called Noon Chai from Kashmir. The pink color comes from a special way of brewing it. We add just a tiny bit of baking soda. This makes the tea leaves change color. It’s like a little kitchen science experiment.

The Story in My Cup

My friend Anya shared this recipe with me. She learned it from her grandmother. They would drink it together on cold afternoons. I think of her every time I make it.

Sharing food and drinks connects us. It’s a way to show someone you care. This matters because these small moments become our favorite memories. What’s a special food someone shared with you?

Let’s Make the Magic Happen

First, we boil the green tea leaves with water. Then we add that pinch of baking soda. Watch the water turn a deep, dark red. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Next, we add the spices. The star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. Let it all simmer together. The smell will fill your whole kitchen. It makes the house feel so warm and cozy.

The Pink Surprise

Now for the best part. Pour in the milk and turn up the heat. As you stir, you will see it. The deep red tea will slowly turn a beautiful pink. It always makes me smile.

Fun fact: The special green tea leaves from Kashmir have compounds that react with the baking soda and milk. This creates that lovely pink color! Do you like your tea hot or iced? This recipe works for both.

Why We Slow Down

This tea is not made in a hurry. You have to let it simmer. That slow time is important. It lets the flavors get to know each other.

This matters in life, too. Slowing down helps us notice the good things. It makes us feel calm. What is your favorite way to slow down and relax?

Your Perfect Cup

Strain the tea into your favorite cup. Add a little honey or sugar if you like. I love to sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. It adds a nice little crunch.

For a hot day, let it get cold in the fridge. Then pour it over ice. It is so refreshing. Which do you think you would try first, the hot or the iced version?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Water	4 cups
Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea leaves	2 tbsp	Regular green tea works too
Baking soda	½ tsp
Star anise	1–2
Cardamom pods	2	Crushed
Cinnamon stick	1
Salt	¼ tsp
Whole milk	2 cups
Sugar or honey	To taste
Crushed pistachios or almonds	Optional	For garnish

The Story of Pink Tea

Let me tell you about the first time I saw pink tea. My friend Amina made it in her sunny kitchen. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. The tea started as a deep red. Then it turned a soft, beautiful pink. It was like a little bit of magic.

This special drink comes from Kashmir, a place with tall, snowy mountains. People there drink it to feel warm and happy. The color always makes me smile. It feels like a celebration in a cup. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Making it is a small adventure. You have to be a little patient. But the result is so worth it. Let’s make some magic together, step by step.

Let’s Make Some Magic

Step 1: Pour four cups of water into a pot. Bring it to a rolling boil. Now add your two tablespoons of green tea leaves. Let it bubble away for five whole minutes. The kitchen will start to smell so fresh.

Step 2: Next, mix in half a teaspoon of baking soda. This is the secret! The tea will quickly turn a deep, dark red. I still gasp every time. Keep it boiling for two more minutes. (Hard-learned tip: measure the baking soda carefully. Too much can make the tea taste funny.)

Step 3: Now for the spices. Toss in the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let them dance in the pot for one minute. The smell is just amazing. It reminds me of holiday mornings.

Step 4: Turn the heat down to low. Let the tea simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. It needs to reduce by half. This makes the flavor nice and strong. This is a good time to just relax.

Step 5: Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt. I know, salt in tea sounds strange! But it makes all the other flavors pop. Trust me on this one. Can you guess which spice makes it smell like licorice? Share below!

Step 6: Pour in two cups of milk. Turn the heat back up to a gentle boil. Stir it often so it doesn’t boil over. Watch the magic happen. The tea will become a lovely soft pink.

Step 7: Take the pot off the heat. Strain the tea into your favorite cups. Add sugar or honey to your liking. I love a big spoonful of honey. Top it with some crushed pistachios for a little crunch.

Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Drink, Tea

Your Tea, Your Way

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also play with it. Try these fun twists to make it your own.

Iced Pink Delight. Let the tea cool down after you strain it. Pop it in the fridge for an hour. Serve it over ice on a hot day. It is so refreshing.

Cozy Vanilla Dream. Add a drop of vanilla extract with the milk. It makes the tea taste extra warm and sweet. It feels like a big, cozy hug.

Nutty Rose Surprise. Use almond milk instead of whole milk. Garnish with a sprinkle of edible rose petals. It looks so pretty and tastes floral. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Sip & Serve

This tea is a treat all by itself. But it is even better with a little snack. I love having it with a buttery, flaky croissant. The saltiness is perfect with the sweet tea. You could also try it with shortbread cookies.

If you are serving it to guests, make it special. Use clear glass mugs to show off the pink color. Don’t forget the crushed nuts on top. It adds a nice little crunch.

For a fun pairing, try it with a cool glass of lemonade. The tart lemonade and creamy tea are a great match. For a grown-up drink, a sweet Riesling wine works nicely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pink Chai Perfect

Let’s talk about storing this lovely tea. You can keep it in the fridge for two days. Just pour it into a jar with a lid.

I do not recommend freezing this chai. The milk can separate when it thaws. It changes the creamy texture we love so much.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. Stir it often so the milk does not burn. I once reheated it too fast and made a mess!

You can make the tea base ahead of time. Just boil the water, tea, and spices. Store the base without milk for up to five days.

This matters because a good plan saves time. You can have a cozy drink ready anytime. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Chai Troubles? Easy Fixes Right Here

Is your tea not turning pink? Do not worry. The baking soda is the key. It helps the leaves release their special color.

Is your chai tasting bitter? You might have boiled it too long. I remember when I did that for my first cup. It was too strong!

Is the milk curdling in your tea? Always heat the milk gently. Do not let it come to a roaring boil. A gentle simmer is best.

Fixing these small things builds your confidence. You learn how flavors work together. You also get a much tastier cup of tea.

*Fun fact: The pink color comes from a reaction between the tea leaves and baking soda!* Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pink Chai Questions Answered

Q: Is this tea gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy it without worry.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Make the spiced tea base up to five days early. Add the milk when you are ready to serve.

Q: What if I do not have star anise?
A: You can use a tiny pinch of cloves instead. It will still taste warm and wonderful.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course! It is perfect for sharing with friends. Just use a bigger pot.

Q: Are the nuts necessary?
A: No, they are just a pretty, crunchy topping. The tea is delicious all on its own. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Cozy Creations

I hope you love making this special pink tea. It always makes my kitchen feel so warm. I would love to see your version.

Did you add a different spice? Maybe you used pretty cups. Please share a photo with all of us. It makes me so happy.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Olivia’s Cozy Kitchen. Let’s build a community of tea lovers.

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.