Chai Concentrate

7 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Boil the water

   In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a rapid boil.
2. 02

   Simmer with spices

   Add the 10 tea bags, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 vanilla bean, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 12 cloves, 9 cardamom pods, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 star anise pods, 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns, 8 coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and 1 inch ginger to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
3. 03

   Steep with honey

   Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of honey and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes to steep further.
4. 04

   Strain the concentrate

   Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth and carefully strain the concentrate into a clean container, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the spent tea bags and spices.
5. 05

   Store the concentrate

   Transfer the cooled concentrate to a sealable container and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
6. 06

   Make chai tea

   To make a mug of chai, combine 1/3 cup of the concentrate with warm milk (dairy, soy, or nut milk all work well).
7. 07

   Use in other recipes

   This concentrate isn't just for tea; it's also a great way to add chai spice to other recipes. Try stirring some into cookie batter for chai-spiced cookies, or mix it with seltzer water for a refreshing chai soda.