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Two hands in fingerless gloves holding a mug of foamy chai topped with ground cinnamon.

Chai Concentrate from Tea Bags

developed & tested by:

Carissa Erzen
Cozy chai lattes are easy to make at home with chai concentrate steeped with tea bags, cardamom, peppercorn, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and star anise. These whole spices along with fresh ginger and a little vanilla extract create a fragrant & flavorful chai concentrate in just 30 minutes on the stovetop.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Steep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Indian, Middle Eastern
Servings 4 drinks
Calories 26 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water
  • 10 whole green cardamom pods
  • 8 whole black peppercorns
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole allspice
  • 2 whole star anise
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 bags black tea (or substitute 4 tablespoons of loose black tea such as English breakfast, Assam or Ceylon)

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, add the water, all the spices, peeled ginger, and vanilla extract. (Leave out the tea for now.)
    Simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat.
  • Add the black tea bags to the saucepan and continue to simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow everything to steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth.
  • Add straightaway to a hot drink, or let the chai concentrate cool to room temperature. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • For a hot chai latte, add equal parts of chai concentrate and hot milk, then sweeten with sugar or honey to your liking.
    For an iced chai latte, add equal parts chai concentrate and cold milk in a glass with ice cubes. Sweeten with sugar or syrup to your liking.

Notes

  • Whole Spices: I recommend using whole spices so you can fully strain them out. Otherwise your chai concentrate could be cloudy or grainy if you use ground spices. 
  • Storing: Allow your homemade chai concentrate to cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Store in an airtight container or divide in an ice cube tray and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Shake Before Use: Before using your chai concentrate, give it a good shake or stir to mix any settled spices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 drinkCalories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 19mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chai concentrate
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