Name: Vanilla Chai Tea Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or sugar (to taste); 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose black tea); 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon); 3–4 whole cloves; 3–4 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed; ½ inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)

Description

Warm, comforting, and infused with cozy spices, this Vanilla Chai Tea is a soothing homemade drink that’s lightly sweet, aromatic, and perfect for chilly mornings or relaxing evenings. It’s simple to make and tastes like a café-style chai at home!

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or sugar (to taste)

Tea and Spices

2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose black tea)
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
3–4 whole cloves
3–4 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
½ inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)

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Instructions

Infuse the Spices: In a small saucepan, bring water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and sliced fresh ginger to a gentle boil to start releasing the flavors of the spices.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the spices simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the infusion and develop the chai’s aromatic base.
Steep Tea: Add the black tea bags to the simmering liquid and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. For a stronger chai flavor, you can steep the tea longer or simmer the spices 8–10 minutes before adding the tea.
Add Milk and Flavorings: Stir in the milk of your choice, vanilla extract, and your preferred sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar. Warm the mixture until heated through but be careful not to let it boil to preserve the delicate flavors.
Strain and Serve: If using whole spices, strain the chai tea into mugs to remove the solids. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, aromatic chai tea experience at home.

Notes

For stronger chai: simmer spices 8–10 minutes before adding tea.
Dairy-Free Options: Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk work well.
Make it a latte: Froth the milk before adding for extra creaminess.
Make-Ahead Concentrate: Double the spices, skip milk, and store the concentrate in the fridge for 3–4 days. Add milk when ready to drink.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired