Chai Tea Concentrate for Hot Tea, Chai Latte, hot or cold

I have a weakness for Chai Tea Lattes, both hot and iced.  With a few whole spices and a little time, I now have a batch of concentrate ready to mix up in just minutes to satisfy my Chai Tea cravings!



Chai Tea Concentrate      Makes about 3 1/2 cups
12 cardamom pods, gently crushed
8 whole black peppercorns
8 whole cloves
4" piece of fresh ginger, cut into slices
4 cinnamon sticks
3 whole allspice
4 tablespoons brown sugar (more or less to taste)
2 star anise
1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups water
4 black tea bags

1. Bring all ingredients, except tea bags, to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

   

   Spices in saucepan.

   

   Water added to spices. 

   

   Mixture after being simmered for 15 minutes.

2. Turn off heat, add tea bags, cover again and allow to steep for about 8 minutes.
   
3. Pour mixture through a strainer to remove spices. 
   
4. Allow concentrated tea to cool to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator.
   

To use concentrate: Mix equal amounts of concentrate and milk (for hot or iced Chai Tea Latte, or water for Chai Tea).

Recipe without photos . . .
Chai Tea Concentrate      Makes about 3 1/2 cups
12 cardamom pods, gently crushed
8 whole black peppercorns
8 whole cloves
4" piece of fresh ginger, cut into slices
4 cinnamon sticks
3 whole allspice
4 tablespoons brown sugar (more or less to taste)
2 star anise
1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups water
4 black tea bags

1. Bring all ingredients, except tea bags, to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
   
2. Turn off heat, add tea bags, cover again and allow to steep for about 8 minutes.
3. Pour mixture through a strainer to remove spices. 
4. Allow concentrated tea to cool to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator.

To use concentrate: Mix equal amounts of concentrate and milk (for hot or iced Chai Tea Latte, or water for Chai Tea).