There are 129866 ways to make masala chai and counting. That’s because everyone and their grandmothers have a recipe to call their own. And though there may be infinite variations, these basic components are all you need to get started – black tea, milk, a handful of spices and some sugar.

Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, the chai’s the limit. Experiment with bay leaves, coriander, cumin, fennel, lemongrass, liquorice root, mace, nutmeg, saffron, star anise, tamarind, vanilla beans and even unsweetened dark cocoa powder. While you’re at it, if you hit on recipe number 129867, don’t forget to let your grandmother in on it too.