Ingredients
Chai Concentrate Spices
- 12 green cardamom pods
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 2 tsp whole allspice
- 1/2 tsp peppercorns
- 1/4 tsp fennel seeds
- 5 cinnamon sticks (chopped in half)
- 4 inches dried ginger root (roughly chopped)
- 1 whole nutmeg (chopped)
- 2 star anise
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped, whole bean included)
- 1 tsp orange zest
Liquid Ingredients and Sweetener
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar (packed)
Tea Base and Serving
- 2 bags black tea
- 1/2 cup (120mL) chai concentrate
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1/2 cup (120mL) milk
- Whipped topping
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the chai concentrate: Combine the green cardamom pods, whole cloves, whole allspice, peppercorns, fennel seeds, chopped cinnamon sticks, chopped dried ginger root, chopped nutmeg, star anise, split vanilla bean with seeds and orange zest with 3 cups of water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to extract flavors.
- Steep the tea and sweeten: Remove from heat and add the 2 black tea bags and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the solids, leaving a smooth chai concentrate.
- Chill the chai concentrate: Allow the chai concentrate to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold. This cooling process may take about 1-2 hours or can be expedited with an ice bath.
- Assemble the iced chai latte: Fill a glass with 1/2 cup ice, pour in 1/2 cup of the chilled chai concentrate, and then add 1/2 cup of milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Finish and serve: Top the iced chai latte with whipped topping and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve immediately for the best chilled chai experience.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar used.
- Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- The chai concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use fresh whole spices for the most vibrant flavor.
- If time is short, allow the concentrate to cool in an ice bath to speed chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired