Warm spices meet a cool glass in this aromatic iced tea that tastes like a café splurge made right in your own kitchen. Black tea is simmered with cinnamon, fresh ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black peppercorns until the liquid turns a gorgeous amber and smells absolutely incredible. Maple syrup brings a gentle, rounded sweetness that ties everything together without overpowering the spice blend. The whole thing gets strained clean and chilled, so every sip is smooth, bold, and refreshing. Grain sensitivities can make flavored teas and packaged chai blends tricky, since hidden fillers or flavorings sometimes sneak in — but this recipe builds every bit of flavor from whole spices and real ingredients, so there's nothing to second-guess. It's the kind of drink that impresses guests but honestly requires almost no effort, just a little patience while the spices do their thing. Pour it over a tall glass of ice and enjoy something that feels genuinely special.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings
Combine the water, cinnamon stick, sliced ginger, crushed cardamom pods, whole cloves, and black peppercorns in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the liquid is fragrant and lightly amber.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the tea bags and steep for 4 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
(16k)
