Cashew Free Classic Chai Latte
Warming, deeply spiced, and endlessly comforting, this homemade chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up on the couch and forget the outside world exists. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns are simmered low and slow until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — no powder blends or mystery syrups involved. The combination of black tea and whole milk gives it that rich, creamy body you'd expect from a café version, but made entirely on your own stovetop. Honey sweetens things naturally and lets you dial the sweetness exactly where you want it. For anyone navigating nut allergies, this recipe is genuinely stress-free — every single ingredient is a whole, recognizable item with no hidden blends or processed add-ins to second-guess. Straining everything through a fine-mesh sieve at the end means you get a silky-smooth cup with all the bold flavor and none of the grit. It's the kind of recipe you'll make once and then find yourself coming back to every single week.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and star anise (if using) in a small 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.
- 2
Add the tea bags and milk to the saucepan. Raise the heat to medium and bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer — small bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil — then reduce the heat to low and steep for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chai is deep brown and richly spiced.
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