Brewing Guide

Yes, our chai contains about 40-50 milligrams of caffeine per cup (8 oz. concentrate / 16 oz. chai latte), which is similar to traditional black tea. The caffeine found in tea interacts with the body differently than coffee. Instead of primarily targeting the central nervous system, tea caffeine affects the muscular system. Additionally, tea caffeine is released slowly, resulting in a more gradual decrease in its effects. ☕️ 

Our spice blend is actually a CharlieJoe Chai trade secret made up of traditional chai spices. If there’s a specific spice you’re concerned about, please let me know, and I’ll get back to you.

The choice of milk is really up to your personal preference, so feel free to use whatever your taste buds prefer.

When we first launched CharlieJoe Chai in our kitchen under Colorado cottage laws, we had to serve our chai with non-dairy milk. After testing a variety of milk substitutes, oat milk emerged as the ideal choice. Its neutral flavor provides the perfect canvas for our blend of exhilarating spices to truly shine. Among all the oat milks we sampled, Oatly Full Fat (or Barista Blend) impressed us the most with its rich and creamy texture, beautifully complementing our chai.

Fun fact: In India, chai is often served with water buffalo milk, which is even richer than whole milk, thanks to its higher fat and protein content! This luscious milk is also famously used by Italians to craft Buffalo Mozzarella. It's a truly versatile and delicious ingredient! 🥛

While many enjoy CharlieJoe Chai with milk, it’s certainly not the only option. Over the years, we've experimented with our chai concentrate and discovered that it pairs wonderfully with soda water, creating an amazing chai soda. This refreshing combination works especially well with Topo Chico and a squeeze of orange for an extra burst of flavor. Give it a try and explore the delightful versatility of our chai! ✨

Our founder, Charles Joseph Ciepiel, shares his story…

“My Sicilian mom, Mama Louisa, lovingly called me ‘CharlieJoe,’ as a tribute to my uncles, Charles DiPasquale and Joseph Comella, known for their strength and generosity. As the youngest of six, I received unwavering support from Mama Louisa and my father, Victor. In gratitude for their love and encouragement, we named our chai business “CharlieJoe Chai’ to honor Mama Louisa and the values she instilled in me. (Not to mention, she was also an incredible cook!)” 🤌🏼