Chai Tea Concentrate


In the midst of all of the changes to my diet last fall, I discovered that coffee was making me feel pretty darned yucky every morning. I don't know if it was the acidity, or what, but it wasn't a happy situation. I really, really missed a nice warm cup of... something... though, and made a switch to chai tea. So for nearly a year, I have been buying Oregon Chai concentrate. Fabulous product, but not exactly a bargain purchase.

When I cam across a make-your-own-chai link on Pinterest, I knew I had to give it a try.

And it was yummy!!

Some tweaks and substitutions have made the recipe mine, and have changed the flavor of the concentrate to be a bit more mild and slightly less... punchy. I don't need too much punch in the morning. Just a little.

You'll Need:
9 Cups of Water
2 Cinnamon Sticks
14 Cardamom Pods
4 Star Anise Pods
20 Cloves
1 tsp. {fresh} Ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
2 tsp. {fresh} Lemon Zest or Orange Zest
20 Black Tea Bags

1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp. Honey {I think agave nectar would work nicely here, if you're Vegan}
2 Tbsp. Vanilla

To Make:
Boil water in a large pot
Add spices and lemon zest as the water begins to heat
When the water reaches a full boil, turn it off and drop in the tea bags
Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes or so

To a pitcher, large jar or other container, add brown sugar, honey and vanilla
Strain the tea mixture into the pitcher
Stir to melt and mix in the brown sugar, honey and vanilla
Store concentrate in the fridge

To Serve:
Mix equal parts concentrate and the milk of your choice
I usually drink my chai warm, but it's also delish served over ice!

1 comment:

  1. Yum, this looks so delicious! I might add a shot of espresso because I’m hopelessly addicted…but either way I’m sure it would be amazing chai tea.

    Chai Tea
    California Tea House

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