Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons (12 g) loose black tea or 2 bags of black tea
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 whole green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 1-2 slices of fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy)
  • Optional: Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Add black tea or tea bags and sugar to the saucepan. Allow to brew for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on desired strength.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai into a separate pot using a fine mesh strainer.
  5. In another saucepan
  6. Froth the milk using a whisk or milk frother until foamy.
  7. Pour the strained chai into cups, filling them halfway.
  8. Top with frothed milk and sweeten to taste. Optional: garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.