Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate

variety of spices found in Chai

Chai tea is any tea (typically black) simmered with a variety of spices to give its signature exotic taste, then a sweetener and cream is added to complete it. Rooibos (red) chai tea is pretty much Thai Milk Tea.

I went on a retreat out in Joshua Tree for New Year's Eve and decided that this was appropriately hippie enough to whip up and share with my fellow campers. It was my first time brewing a batch, but it's really simple to make and tastes absolutely amazing. Got tons of compliments! The only thing I would change for myself would be to add more spices (perhaps ground cinnamon?) or change the ratio of Chai mix to milk. I prefer a strong tasting Chai!


Adapted from Tasty Kitchen
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 1 stick Cinnamon
•  ½ inch Fresh Ginger Chopped
• 8 whole Cardamom Pods
• 2 whole Star Anise Pods
• 10 whole Cloves
• ¼ teaspoons Whole Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
• 1 large peel Orange Zest
• ½ Vanilla Bean
• 10 teaspoons Black Tea (Or 10 Tea Bags)
• ⅔ cups Brown Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Honey 

Directions

1. Bring water to boil.
2. Lightly toast whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamon pods, star anise pods, whole cloves, whole black pepper) for 5 minutes, or until aromatic. Toasting spices prior helps open up the flavors and bring an extra depth of flavor.
3. Once water boils, remove from heat. Steep tea, toasted whole spices, ground nutmeg, orange zest, and vanilla bean for 20 minutes.
4. Strain mixture, the add brown sugar and honey. Store in the fridge.
5. Making Chai Milk Tea: Mix 1:1 ratio of Chai mix to milk. (Your choice, I used Trader Joe's Unsweetened Almond milk). Can be served either hot or cold. Perhaps blended with ice for a frozen treat? Obviously I served it hot to combat the chilly desert cold at night. Definitely hits the spot!