Vanilla & Honey Chai Tea
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4
This Vanilla & Honey Chai Tea is the perfect steamy sip to warm your soul on a cool day. With its delightful blend of aromatic spices and creamy sweetness, this chai tea infuses your home with an irresistible fragrance as it brews. Inspired by a recipe from Dr. Anisha Abraham featured in the Washington Post, this simple yet indulgent chai tea is a testament to the art of brewing the perfect cup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 whole cardamom pods
- 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 8 whole cloves
- 4 black tea bags (preferably a quality organic tea like St. Balfours or Infusions)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons clover honey (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Equipment: To achieve the best flavor, use a pot dedicated exclusively to tea, free from any residues of greasy foods or tomato sauces. This ensures your tea has a clean, untainted taste. For optimal results, use good-quality bottled water from a natural spring and a high-quality organic tea. Both will significantly enhance the flavor of your chai.
-
Warm Your Teapot and Cups: While your tea is brewing, preheat your teapot and cups by filling them with hot water. Let them sit under a cotton kitchen towel to retain warmth. This step ensures that your tea stays hot for longer when served.
-
Boil the Spices: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the cardamom pods, sliced ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt (if using). Let the mixture boil vigorously for about 5 minutes to extract the full flavors of the spices.
-
Brew the Tea: Add the black tea bags to the pot and reduce the heat. Simmer the tea mixture for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tea to infuse fully with the spices.
-
Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and increase the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Keep a close eye on the pot during this stage to prevent the milk from scalding. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
-
Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and carefully strain the tea into your pre-warmed teapot or cups. This removes the tea bags and spice remnants, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful chai.
-
Sweeten and Enjoy: Stir in clover honey to taste, adjusting the sweetness according to your preference. Serve your Vanilla & Honey Chai Tea hot and enjoy the comforting blend of spices and creaminess.
This chai tea is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or sharing with friends and family. Its rich aroma and soothing flavors will make every sip a moment of bliss. Enjoy your cup of homemade chai tea and the warm embrace it brings to your day! ☕✨
