Description
A strong, smooth black tea base brewed specifically to stand up to milk and spices, perfect for homemade chai lattes.
Ingredients
- Cold water
- Loose-leaf black tea (Assam or Ceylon preferred)
- Whole spices (optional: cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, fresh ginger)
- Milk or milk alternative
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- 2. Add loose-leaf black tea and optional whole spices to the boiling water.
- 3. Reduce heat and simmer to extract a strong, concentrated tea.
- 4. Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup or pitcher.
- 5. Add warm milk or milk alternative to taste.
- 6. Sweeten if desired and use immediately as a chai latte base.
Notes
- Assam tea provides a bold, malty flavor ideal for chai.
- Brew stronger than regular tea to balance milk.
- Tea can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: black tea, chai latte, tea base, masala chai