Homemade Chai Concentrate
A delicious and customizable chai concentrate recipe that captures the essence of warmth and togetherness, perfect for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Chai Concentrate Ingredients
- 4 cups water For brewing a rich base.
- 4 tablespoons black tea leaves Look for Assam or Darjeeling for authenticity.
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar Feel free to swap for brown sugar or honey.
- 1-2 sticks cinnamon For warmth and sweetness.
- 4-6 pods green cardamom Crush them gently for a more robust flavor.
- 4-6 whole cloves Adds a beautiful spice.
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced A must for that signature heat!
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns For a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional for added sweetness.
- milk or dairy alternative To serve, use almond, oat, or traditional cow’s milk.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the black tea leaves, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and release the spices' aromas.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove the spices and tea leaves.
- If using, stir in vanilla extract.
- Let it cool, then transfer to a jar or bottle.
- To serve, mix 1 part chai concentrate with 2 parts milk (hot or cold) and enjoy.
Notes
For an intense flavor, try toasting your whole spices in the pot before adding the water. Store your chai concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in ice cubes for longer storage. Prepare the concentrate a day ahead for maximum flavor.