A Taste of Fall

Island Chai Steamer

There’s something about fall that always stirs my heart. Even here on Maui, where the sunshine rarely fades, this season brings a gentle shift of soft rains, cooler mornings, and the return of rainbows arching over the valleys like blessings from above. It’s the time of year when I feel called to slow down, cozy up, and savor life’s simple comforts.

I love this season for its flavors and feelings.  The scent of cinnamon and cardamom in the air, the coziness of an occasional rain that gives us permission to stay in, craft a little, or bake a pie. And if I’m lucky, a must have trip up to the Kula pumpkin patch rounds it all out. 

And of course, no fall day feels complete without a chai steamer in hand.

Our Island Chai blend captures everything I love about this time of year. It’s warm, grounding, and full of flavor. Crafted with rooibos, cacao, chaga mushroom, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, it’s an herbal tea that wraps you up like your favorite blanket. This special blend is available only here on Maui and cannot be shipped online, making it a little island treasure you can sip while taking in the beauty around you.

Here’s one of my favorite cozy rituals:

Island Chai Steamer Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Maui Tea Shack Island Chai

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 1 cup milk of your choice (I love macadamia or coconut milk)

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or more to taste)

To make:

  1. Steep Island Chai in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, letting the spices fully bloom.

  2. Warm your milk separately until hot and frothy (you can use a small whisk or frother).

  3. Strain your tea, then pour it into a mug with the steamed milk.

  4. Stir in maple syrup and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao on top.

It’s a simple cup of comfort blending spicy, creamy, and a little sweet. It's the kind of drink that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special.

So when the rain starts to fall and the island slows its rhythm, make yourself a chai steamer, light a candle, and take a moment to breathe it all in.
This is fall, island style.

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