This homemade chai is the perfect balance of spicy, robust, and sweet. Make a single batch as a special treat or double it for a week's worth of warming goodness.
6inchesfresh gingergrated or chopped, grated for spicier chai, roughly chop for less spicy. I like to use my mini-prep food processor to quickly grate the ginger.
4tsp. whole black peppercorns
1Tbsp. whole cloves
1tsp. whole cardamom
43-inchcinnamon sticks
12bags black teaideally Darjeeling, Irish Breakfast, or English Breakfast. Note: Earl Gray will give it a distinct flavor
½cupbrown sugaroptional
2cupsmilk (any variety)for serving
Instructions
In a large pot, combine the ginger, peppercorns, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon. Add 12 cups water. Bring the pot to a boil and then turn the heat to medium and let it cook, bubbling gently, for 25 minutes with the lid off.
Turn off the heat, add the tea bags, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
Scoop out the tea bags and add the sugar (if using). Stir well so that the sugar dissolves.
Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea into a large bowl or pitcher. Serve immediately by filling a mug 2/3 of the way and then topping off with your favorite type of milk, or bring to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator for up to a week.