• Masala Chai named second-best non-alcoholic beverage in the world

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    Masala Chai named second-best non-alcoholic beverage in the world
    Mexican Aguas Frescas, a cool beverage produced from a blend of fruits, cucumbers, flowers, seeds, and cereals combined with sugar and water, is the most popular item...

    Digital Desk: Spiced tea, or masala chai, has a particular place in the hearts of tea lovers everywhere. This delicious drink, which comes from India, has gained international popularity and is currently ranked as the second-greatest non-alcoholic beverage of 2023 by TasteAtlas, an encyclopedia that features regional cuisine, customs, and real eateries across the globe.

    "Chai masala is an aromatic beverage originating from India, made with sweetened black tea and milk, spiced with a masala mix—typically including cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns," TasteAtlas wrote in an Instagram post announcing the ranking.


     
    Providing historical context, the post mentioned, “In the 19th century, the Chinese had a monopoly on the tea trade, and the British looked for other markets that would fulfill the high demand for black tea—which was a firm European favourite.” 

    The post added that the British continued “quest brought them to India, where they started to set up tea plantations. It is believed that chai masala first appeared during that period, but it only became a popular option in the 20th century when the Indian Tea Association promoted tea breaks as a much-needed refreshment for workers and when tea became more affordable.”
     
    Mexican Aguas Frescas, a cool beverage produced from a blend of fruits, cucumbers, flowers, seeds, and cereals combined with sugar and water, is the most popular item on the list. Because of its distinct flavors and the emotion it arouses among tea lovers around the world, Masala Chai's ranking position is noteworthy.

    A journey via the senses to the colorful streets of India is what Masala Chai offers, beyond the status of a simple beverage. Tea lovers throughout the world love this beverage because of its flavorful, aromatic, and cultural significance.