Pistachio Free Classic Chai Latte
Warming, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this homemade chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and slow down for a few minutes. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns are simmered together until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible, then steeped with black tea and whole milk for a rich, layered cup. Honey sweetens everything naturally, and you can dial it up or down to suit your taste. For anyone navigating nut allergies or sensitivities, pre-made chai blends and coffee shop versions can be a minefield ā flavored syrups, spice mixes, and shared equipment all introduce uncertainty. Making it from scratch with whole spices and pantry staples means you know exactly what's in your mug. The technique is straightforward: simmer, steep, strain, and serve ā no special equipment beyond a small saucepan and a fine-mesh strainer. It's genuinely better than anything you'd order out, and once you make it this way, it's hard to go back.
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Learn more āIngredients
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 ā small bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil ā 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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