Sesame Free Spiced Chai Latte
Warming, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this spiced chai latte is the kind of drink that makes a cold morning feel like a gift. Whole spices — cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and star anise — are simmered together with fresh ginger until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible, building a flavor base that no powder or syrup can replicate. The good news for anyone navigating sesame concerns is that this recipe is built entirely from whole spices, black tea, milk, and honey — nothing processed, nothing ambiguous, and no hidden ingredients to second-guess. Café chai drinks and store-bought concentrates can be surprisingly tricky territory, but making it from scratch at home puts you in complete control. The milk is gently heated until steaming rather than boiled, which keeps it silky and sweet, and the honey lets you dial in exactly the right level of sweetness. A final dusting of cinnamon over the top is a small touch that makes it feel genuinely special. This is the kind of recipe you'll want to make on repeat all season long.
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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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