Shellfish Free Classic Chai Latte
Warm, deeply spiced, and endlessly comforting, this homemade chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and forget the outside world exists. Whole spices ā cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and fresh ginger ā are simmered together until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible, building a fragrant base that no powder or syrup can replicate. The milk goes in alongside the tea bags so everything steeps together, coaxing out a rich, deep-brown brew that's bold but balanced. Honey sweetens it gently, and you can dial that up or down to suit your mood. Straining everything through a fine-mesh sieve gives you a silky, clean cup with zero gritty bits ā just pure, layered spice in every sip. This is the kind of recipe you'll make once and then find yourself returning to every single week.
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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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