Forget the sugar-laden coffee shop chai loaded with artificial flavorings. For a fraction of the price, you can make this cozy beverage right in your own kitchen. Use whatever milk you prefer, and adjust the amounts to taste. You can also use 1/2 teaspoon each of ground spices rather than the whole pieces if you don't have them on hand.

10 Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
  • 2 star anise, broken into pieces
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 cup milk
  • Honey (optional)
  • 4 black tea bags (or 2 heaping tablespoons loose leaf black tea)

Directions

  1. Place water and spices in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add milk and honey to taste (if desired), stir, and bring to boil once more.
  2. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Cover and steep 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Strain before serving.