Chai Latte from Scratch

Ingredients

• •1 cup water
• •1 cup whole milk (or oat milk)
• •2 black tea bags (like Orange Pekoe or Assam)
• •4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• •3 whole cloves
• •1 cinnamon stick
• •1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• •4 whole black peppercorns
• •1 star anise (optional)
• •1–2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey, to taste

Directions

1. 1Combine water, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, peppercorns, and star anise (if using) in a small saucepan.
2. 2Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to bloom the spices.
3. 3Add the tea bags and simmer for 3 more minutes — do not over-steep or it becomes bitter.
4. 4Pour in the milk and add sugar, stirring to combine.
5. 5Bring back to a gentle simmer over medium heat, watching closely so it doesn't boil over.
6. 6Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chai turns a deep caramel-tan colour.
7. 7Remove the tea bags and strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve into two mugs.
8. 8Taste and adjust sweetness, then serve hot.

💡 Cardamom pods are available in the bulk spice section of most Canadian grocery stores (Bulk Barn, Metro, or Loblaws). If unavailable, substitute 1/2 tsp ground cardamom. For an iced chai latte, brew the chai double-strength, cool it, then pour over a tall glass of ice and top with cold frothed milk. The spice blend can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight jar for months.

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