Spiced Chai Latte Star Anise (Printable version)
A comforting chai latte infused with warm spices and the delicate aroma of star anise.
# List of ingredients:
→ Spices
01 - 2 whole star anise
02 - 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
→ Tea & Sweetener
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
09 - 2 tablespoons honey or sugar, to taste
→ Dairy
10 - 1 cup whole milk or oat milk for dairy-free option
# Directions:
01 - Place water, star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
02 - Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
03 - Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting steeping time to desired strength.
04 - Stir in milk and gently simmer for 2 minutes without boiling.
05 - Remove from heat and strain the beverage into two mugs.
06 - Add honey or sugar as preferred and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like the chai you'd get from a street vendor, but you control the sweetness and spice intensity.
- The star anise adds a faint licorice warmth that makes it feel special without being overpowering.
- You can make it in less time than it takes to drive to a coffee shop, and it costs almost nothing.
02 -
- Do not let the milk boil hard or it will develop a weird skin and taste scorched.
- If the chai tastes too spicy, add a splash more milk or another teaspoon of honey to calm it down.
- Always strain it well, biting into a whole clove or peppercorn is not a pleasant surprise.
03 -
- Crush the cardamom pods just before you use them so the oils are at their freshest and most fragrant.
- If you want a frothy top like a latte, use a milk frother or whisk the chai vigorously before pouring it into mugs.
- A whole star anise floating in the mug makes it look beautiful and adds a little extra aroma as you drink.