House of SZO | April Blog Series | Cozy Up with Chai: A Seren & Tea Favorite
There’s something about a good chai tea latte that just hits different.
Warm, spicy, bold, and comforting—it’s a hug in a cup. And if you know me, you know I love a good ritual. For a long time, mine came in the form of a $9 venti chai tea latte from Starbucks—7 pumps, coconut milk, no foam. Honey… it got to the point the baristas knew my order as soon as I walked through the door.
And I didn’t even care—because that cup brought me peace.
But at $9 a pop? I had to start being real with myself. I knew I could recreate the vibe at home—and honestly, do it even better, using real herbs, full flavor, and intention.
So I started blending. At first, it was just for me—something to sip on while Serenity had her tea time, for those days I wanted something different. I craved something bold and full-bodied. I researched a bunch of chai recipes and tried several combinations. I was on a mission to make a chai that was strong, full-flavored, and deeply satisfying.
I started with a black tea base but eventually switched to Darjeeling—it had more depth and character. Then came the spice:
Cloves and cinnamon bark to bring the warmth Ginger for that fiery kick Cardamom pods and allspice berries to round it out Star anise just because the smell alone made me feel cozy
But it was still missing something. I added red peppercorns for a little edge, fennel seeds for sweetness, and finished it with a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg. That was the moment it came together. Balanced. Spicy. Aromatic. Full of soul.
I crushed a lot of the spices with a mortar and pestle to unlock their oils and release the flavor. Then I’d steep them gently, mix in coconut milk and a splash of water, sweeten it with raw sugar (this was before I made the switch to agave), and froth it up using a little handheld frother I found at Burlington.
And let me tell you—that moment, sipping my chai before the house woke up, was everything.
I’d sit in silence. Sometimes on the front steps, letting the sun rise and the breeze kiss my face. That cup became my stillness, my pause, my little piece of Serenity.
What’s in Our Chai Blend?
This is not your average chai. Our Seren & Tea Chai Blend is handcrafted with intention and made with 10 healing herbs and spices:
Darjeeling Tea – high in antioxidants, supports heart and digestive health
Cinnamon Bark – helps regulate blood sugar, improves circulation
Red Peppercorns – stimulates digestion, clears sinuses, boosts warmth
Fennel Seeds – eases bloating, supports hormone balance
Nutmeg – calming, supports sleep and brain function
Star Anise – antimicrobial, helps with cough and digestion
Allspice Berries – anti-inflammatory, warming, and immune-supportive
Cloves – great for immunity, relieves gas and oral discomfort
Ginger Root – powerful digestive and anti-nausea herb
Cardamom Pods – mood-balancing, detoxifying, supports gut health
Together, they create a cup that nourishes your body while comforting your spirit.
From Cup to Apothecary
Every ingredient in this blend is more than a flavor—it’s a medicine.
You can start collecting these herbs yourself and build a simple kitchen apothecary. And I’ll say it again and again: an apothecary in today’s time is vital… pivotal… crucial. These herbs aren’t just pretty names on a label—they are time-tested healers, sitting right in your spice cabinet.
The more you use them, the more you’ll start to feel the difference. And that’s when it clicks. You begin to embrace the alternative. And maybe even fall in love with it.
However You Brew It… Make It Yours
Chai isn’t just for fall. It’s a year-round favorite.
Some like it iced, some like it hot.
Add a little vanilla, some pumpkin spice, or your favorite milk.
Create your own ritual—or keep it simple.
Just brew a cup. Sip slowly.
Let the spices hold you. Let the stillness find you. Let it be your peace.
Because this blend wasn’t made in a factory. It was born out of love, ritual, and a mama’s need for just one quiet moment.
Crafted with care. Made for your moment.
With intentional harmony and peace,
Daria
Founder of House of SZO
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