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At Home Chai

Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Keyword: beverages, chai, drinks, hot chocolate, spiced, tea latte

Equipment

  • 1 Large Saucepan
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 Lidded bottle or container
  • 1 Milk frother

Ingredients

  • 1 oz (3 tbsp) strong black tea
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 cup green cardamom pods
  • 3-4 black cardamom pods
  • 1 tbsp (10-12) clove buds
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp black peppercorn or ground black pepper
  • 1/2 piece ginger root sliced
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • milk of choice for steaming

Instructions

Chai Concentrate

  • In a large saucepan, add black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg peppercorn, and ginger. Cover with 6 cups of water. Bring the pot to medium heat and allow water to boil.
  • After the water reaches boiling, allow to continue boiling for 10 minutes then reduce heat to lowest possible setting.
  • Cover and allow to slowly steep for up to 45 minutes.
  • After steeping, remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Strain tea through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter in a bowl or pitcher.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir until incorporated.
  • Transfer finished chai concentrate into a lidded bottle or container. Refrigerate until ready to use. Chai concentrate lasts up to 10 days under refrigeration.

Prepare For Serving

  • Combine Chai concentrate and milk of choice with about a 2:1 ratio in a steaming pitcher or in a medium saucepot.
  • Using a milk frother: steam while adding some air until the desired temperature is achieved.
  • On the stovetop: bring sauce-pot to low heat and whisk vigorously while heating to incorporate air. Heat until just warmed, do not boil. Remove from heat.

To Serve

  • Divide Chai into desired cups or mugs. Top with extra ground cinnamon, nutmeg (optional) and serve immediately.
  • If enjoying iced, simply follow the 2:1 Chai to milk ratio and pour over ice instead of steaming/heating.