Spiced Chai Latte Star Anise (Printable)

A cozy blend of black tea infused with warm spices and sweetened with honey or sugar.

# Ingredient List:

→ Spices

01 - 2 whole star anise pods
02 - 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
06 - 1-inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced

→ Tea & Sweetener

07 - 2 cups water
08 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
09 - 2 tablespoons honey or granulated 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 stick, peppercorns, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
02 - Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma.
03 - Add the black tea bags or loose tea to the saucepan and steep for 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting steeping time to preferred strength.
04 - Pour in the milk, gently bring the mixture back to a simmer over low heat, and heat for 2 minutes without boiling.
05 - Remove the pan from heat, strain the chai into two cups using a fine-mesh strainer.
06 - Add honey or sugar to taste, stir well, and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It wraps around you like a blanket, warming from the inside out with every sip.
  • The star anise adds a gentle licorice note that makes this chai feel special without any extra effort.
  • You can make it as sweet or spiced as your mood requires, no two cups ever taste exactly the same.
02 -
  • Don't skip the simmering step for the spices, that's where the magic actually happens and the flavors marry instead of just sitting next to each other.
  • If you boil the milk too hard it will curdle slightly and ruin the silky texture you're going for.
03 -
  • Toast the whole spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding water, it deepens the flavor in a way that feels almost smoky.
  • Use a whisk to froth the milk right in the pan during the last minute of simmering for a cafe-style foam on top.

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