Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose black tea)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 4-6 whole green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 4-6 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add sliced ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and sugar.
  3. Add black tea bags or loose tea in a tea infuser. Allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes, depending on desired strength.
  4. In a separate saucepan, gently heat milk over medium-low heat. If frothing, whisk vigorously to create foam.
  5. Remove the tea bags and strain the chai base through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or directly into mugs.
  6. Pour the prepared milk into each mug, filling to your preference, and stir gently to combine.
  7. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving.