Walnut Free Spiced Chai Latte
Warming, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this homemade 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 ā cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, star anise, and fresh ginger ā are simmered together until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible, building a bold, layered base that no coffee shop shortcut can replicate. Steeping the black tea directly in that spiced water pulls everything together into a rich, deeply fragrant brew before the milk goes in. Warming the milk gently until it's just steaming (not boiling) keeps the texture silky and smooth, and a drizzle of honey rounds out the heat with just the right touch of sweetness. For anyone navigating nut concerns, this recipe is refreshingly straightforward ā every ingredient is a pantry staple or fresh whole spice, with zero ambiguity about what's in your cup. A final dusting of ground cinnamon over the top is a small touch that makes it feel genuinely special. This is the kind of recipe you'll make once and then wonder how you ever settled for the powdered mix version.
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Learn more āIngredients
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
- 1ā2 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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