Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • 6-8 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) fresh ginger, thinly sliced (about 1 tablespoon grated)
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 2 black tea bags (like English Breakfast or Assam)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk), divided
  • Sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, sugar, to taste)
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine water, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, ginger, peppercorns, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low and add tea bags. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, adjusting time for desired strength.
  3. Remove from heat and strain the chai concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container. Discard the solids.
  4. Heat 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) of milk in a separate saucepan or using a milk frother until steaming hot. Froth the remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk using a frother or by whisking vigorously.
  5. Pour half of the chai concentrate into each mug. Top with the steamed milk, then spoon frothed milk on top.
  6. Sweeten to taste with your preferred sweetener. Dust with cinnamon (optional). Serve immediately.