Black tea infused with chai spices and maple syrup, finished with frothy milk for a cozy, aromatic beverage.
# Components:
→ Chai Spice Mix
01 - 2 cinnamon sticks
02 - 4 whole cloves
03 - 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
04 - 4 black peppercorns
05 - 1 star anise, optional
→ Tea
06 - 2 cups water
07 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
→ Sweetener
08 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more to taste
→ Milk
09 - 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk alternative
→ Garnish
10 - Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for dusting
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pods, peppercorns, star anise (if using), and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
02 - Add black tea bags or loose-leaf tea in an infuser to the saucepan. Remove from heat and let steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Strain the tea into a heatproof jug, discarding the spices and tea bags. Stir in maple syrup until fully dissolved.
04 - In a separate saucepan or using a milk frother, heat the milk until steaming but not boiling. Froth the milk until creamy, if desired.
05 - Divide the chai tea between two mugs. Pour the hot frothy milk over the tea.
06 - Dust the surface with ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve immediately while hot.
