Description
This Chai Spiced Tea is a cozy and aromatic beverage perfect for warming up on chilly days. Infused with classic warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger, combined with black tea and creamy milk, it offers a rich and comforting flavor. Sweetened to taste with honey or sugar and optionally enhanced with vanilla extract, this traditional spiced tea is simple to prepare and perfect for both morning and evening enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Tea
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 5–6 black peppercorns
- 3–4 cardamom pods
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Simmer the Spices: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, star anise if using, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors from the spices.
- Add Tea and Milk: Add the tea bags or loose black tea directly to the pot with the simmering spices. Pour in the milk and allow the mixture to continue simmering for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally during this step to avoid milk scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Sweeten and Strain: Stir in honey or sugar according to your preferred level of sweetness. Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container or directly into mugs, removing all the whole spices and tea leaves.
- Add Vanilla (Optional): Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of rich, warm flavor if desired.
- Serve: Pour the chai spiced tea into mugs and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey or sugar according to taste preference or dietary needs.
- The spices can be toasted lightly before simmering for a more intense flavor.
- Use full-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk as desired.
- For a stronger chai, let the spices simmer longer before adding tea.
- Star anise is optional and can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
