>> You might want to try a mix of 50% water/50% milk as it is widely
>> practised in India and Nepal. Bring to a boil, add tea (& chai spices),
>> steep, "enjoy".
>
> Did you not just forget something here? The sickly sweet taste!

Rather negative description of proper chai, eh? Add processed
white sugar to anything, and you'll drive the life right out of it. For
chai, put in jagery, or however you spell it. That's a rough raw sugar that
adds flavor and sweetness to the brew. And for the love of God, don't under
any circumstances buy any product called "chai"; instead, make it up
yourself. I have spoken.

OP is of course correct on all counts.

Michael