Paraben Free Spiced Chai Latte
Warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this spiced 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 — cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, star anise, and fresh ginger — are simmered together until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible, building a bold, layered base that no powder or syrup can replicate. Because every single ingredient here is a recognizable whole food, you sidestep the preservatives and synthetic additives that sneak into so many packaged chai blends and coffee-shop syrups. Whole milk adds a natural creaminess, and a drizzle of honey brings just enough sweetness without any of the processed sweetener concerns that come with store-bought versions. The technique is straightforward — simmer, steep, warm the milk, strain — so even on a slow morning it comes together without much fuss. A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top makes it feel genuinely special, like something you'd pay too much for at a café but made entirely on your own terms.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 1 cup water
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea or 2 black tea bags
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1–2 tbsp honey, to taste
For serving
- ground cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, star anise, and ginger 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 black tea (loose-leaf or bags) to the saucepan and steep for 3 minutes, until the brew is deep brown and strongly aromatic.
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