Easy Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate Recipe
User Reviews
5
Easy Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate Recipe
Description
This chai concentrate combines black tea with a warming blend of spices including cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, and fresh ginger, gently crushed to release their aromatics. The ingredients simmer together briefly and steep to avoid bitterness while extracting balanced spice and tea flavors. After straining, vanilla and honey add sweetness and depth.
The resulting chai concentrate is intense and richly spiced with a smooth black tea base. It offers a strong flavor intensity suitable for mixing with milk to create classic chai lattes served hot or iced. Adjusting spice quantities or sweeteners tailors the chai to individual taste.
Storage in the refrigerator extends freshness for up to two weeks, and it freezes well in small portions like ice cube trays for convenience. Reheating works well on the stovetop or microwave. The concentrate is versatile, forming a base for various chai drinks including dirty or chocolate chai lattes.
Variations for stronger ginger spice or adding additional spices like fennel or orange zest are possible based on preference. Alternate sweeteners and teas can also be used.
Ingredients
- 6-8 teaspoons black tea loose leaf or 6-8 Darjeeling* black tea bags (regular or decaf, Darjeeling
- 6 cups water filtered, room temperature
- 2-4 inch slices ginger fresh ginger, see notes for substitutes
- 2 cinnamon stick crushed (2 short sticks or one 6-8 inch stick broken
- 4-6 whole cloves crushed
- 6-7 whole cardamom pods crushed
- 1 whole star anise crushed (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or a whole vanilla bean, slit and seeds scraped into pot with pod.
- ¼-½ teaspoon nutmeg fresh grated is best
- ¼-⅓ cup honey based on sweetness preferences
Instructions
- Measure all of your spices and ingredients so you are ready to go.
- In a bowl, using the end of a wooden spoon or a mortar and pestle, gently crush the 1-2 cinnamon sticks, 4-6 whole cloves, 4-5 cardamom pods, 1 star anise, and ginger (2-4 ½ -inch pieces). Grate the nutmeg (¼-½ tsp).
- Bring 6 cups of filtered water to a gentle boil and reduce to a simmer; 6-8 teaspoons or 6-8 tea bags, add crushed spices, ginger and if using, add vanilla pod/seeds or vanilla bean paste - if using vanilla extract you will add at the end.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer for just 5 minutes (longer will cause your tea to be bitter), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Allow mixture to steep covered for about 10-15 minutes.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over a large 8-cup measuring bowl. Carefully pour the chai concentrate through the sieve. Discard the tea and spices.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (if you didn't add vanilla bean or paste), ¼-⅓ cup honeyor sweetener of choice until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Pour your homemade chai concentrate into a desired container (at least 48 ounces) jar or bottle, cool and refrigerate. This will ensure your concentrate stays fresh and flavorful for a long time.
Notes
- Store concentrate refrigerated in airtight containers for up to two weeks.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient small servings; thaw before use.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Mix equal parts concentrate and milk or milk alternatives for hot or iced chai lattes.
- Customize spices, sweeteners, and tea varieties to adjust flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 42 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 42kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 27mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 4IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
