Over time, the love for masala chai has translated into Indian chefs innovating with its flavours not only in beverages but also in mocktails, cocktails, savoury dishes and desserts. Taking the opportunity to celebrate the variation, mid-day spoke to Indian chefs and bar experts to share their favourite innovations. These recipes will not only change the way you see a Negroni and Old Fashioned but also a classic Masala Chai because the flavours come together like never before

Chaska Resole 
Bringing together the flavours of Assam, Kusal Khawas, who is the executive chef at Amchong Leaf Tea Experience Centre, Guwahati wants you to make Chaska Resole, a contemporary vegetarian creation. He says, "The uniqueness of this dish lies in its ingredients — Assamese tribal flavours paired with French brie cheese, Thai peanut notes, our signature Amchong Masala Tea, and fresh tea buds from our tea garden. Chaska Resole is a pure vegetarian delight that brings together culture, landscape, and passion on one plate.”

Smoked Masala Chai Negroni
Channel your love for masala chai into a cocktail, says Irfan Laxmidhar, director of Food & Beverage, at ICONIQA Hotel. The city-based property near the airport serves a delicious Smoked Masala Chai Negroni at Kadak. It is a refined Indian reinterpretation of the timeless Negroni infused with masala chai. He explains, “Masala chai is deeply rooted in Indian culture and nostalgia. With the Smoked Masala Chai Negroni, we wanted to reinterpret a globally celebrated cocktail through an Indian lens. The warm spice notes of chai complement the bitter orange complexity of the Negroni, while the subtle smokiness adds depth and elegance to the overall experience.”

Chai-Spiced Smoked Old Fashioned
Why only enjoy masala chai in a Negroni when you can add it to another classic. Ankit Kumar, who is the beverage manager at The St. Regis Goa Resort, says you can make Chai-Spiced Smoked Old Fashioned. He shares, "The Chai-Spiced Smoked Old Fashioned is a beautiful collision of two worlds. We wanted to elevate India’s comforting, deeply rooted masala chai culture into the sleek canvas of a classic, slow-sipping luxury cocktail. By replacing refined sugar with rich, earthy jaggery and introducing the theatrical element of smoked cinnamon, we’ve created a multi-sensory after-dinner experience that feels both intensely nostalgic and effortlessly sophisticated."

Clarified Masala Chai Cocktail
Celebrating not only the masala chai but also the samosa combination, Anurag Dhingra, who is the head of Liquid Artistry at Massive Restaurants that owns Farzi Cafe Cyberhub, says you can make Clarified Masala Chai Cocktail. He explains, "The cocktail is an elevated take on the timeless chai-samosa combination. combines vodka with a house-brewed masala chai blend infused with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. The cocktail is then clarified to achieve a crystal-clear appearance while preserving the depth and warmth of traditional chai flavours. To complement it, we serve a deconstructed samosa — bringing together elements like spiced potato mousse, crisp pastry shards, tamarind chutney and mint chutney accents in a refined presentation."

The Chai Orchard 
Why should you limit your enjoyment of masala chai only to cocktails and mocktails? Chef Berezida Gandhi at St Regis Mumbai in Lower Parel wants you to level and think of an elaborate celebration to make The Chai Orchard. She explains, "I chose the Apple and Masala Chai combination because it brings warmth, comfort and nostalgia - flavours close to the hearts of Mumbaikars. The entremet is inspired by the Afternoon Tea Ritual at The St. Regis Mumbai, celebrating tea, warmth and togetherness through dessert."