Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (475 ml) Water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work well)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Loose Leaf Black Tea (Assam or Darjeeling recommended)
  • 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of Fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 4 Green Cardamom Pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 5 Whole Cloves
  • 6 Black Peppercorns, lightly cracked
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) Honey or Maple Syrup (or to taste)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the water, ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
  3. Add the loose-leaf black tea to the saucepan.
  4. Continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired strength of the tea. Be careful not to over-brew, which can make the chai bitter.
  5. Pour in the milk and heat gently until warmed through. Do not boil.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer into mugs.
  7. Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.
  8. Enjoy your perfect cup of homemade chai!