Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 6 cups water
  • 5 cardamom pods
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 5 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 8 tea bags ((or ½ cup loose black tea or herbal tea))
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-4 TBSP maple syrup
  • milk ((dairy, or dairy-free, up to 6 cups or to taste))

Instruction

  • Pour the water in a large saucepan, Crock-Pot, or Instant Pot.
  • Use the flat side of a large knife to crack open the cardamom pods and slice the ginger into thin slices.
  • Add the cardamom pods and seeds, ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and cloves to the water. 
  • If using the stove, bring the water and spices to a boil then cover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
  • If using a Crock-Pot, heat on high for 2 hours or low for up to 8 hours.
  • If using an Instant Pot, cook at high pressure for 5 minutes then allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before venting.
  • Add the tea bags, vanilla extract, and sweetener if using and let steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain finished chai concentrate.
  • Enjoy hot or cold by mixing equal parts warm or cold chai with warmed or cold milk. Top with whipped cream or whipped coconut cream!