Pecan Free Classic Chai Latte

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.8

(8)

Warm, deeply spiced, and endlessly comforting, this homemade chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to wrap both hands around the mug and slow down for a minute. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns simmer together until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — far better than anything that comes out of a syrup bottle. The technique of gently simmering the milk rather than boiling it keeps the texture silky and the spice balance just right. Honey adds a natural, floral sweetness that you can dial up or down to your own taste. Every single ingredient here is straightforward and tree-nut-free by nature, so there's no label-scanning or second-guessing involved — just pure, honest spices and good tea. It comes together in one small saucepan and strains beautifully into two mugs, making it an easy weekday ritual or a cozy treat to share with someone.

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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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