Homemade Chai Latte

My daughter formed an addiction to Chai Lattes while studying on campus. I decided I could probably make a pot of tea for the price she was paying for one cup at the overpriced coffee store. Especially since latte is just Italian for milk and I can buy a half gallon of organic milk for the price of one of her store bought teas!

The ingredients are similar to other homemade Chai tea recipes, but I use a different technique that allows you to use ground spices without leaving a sludge at the bottom of your cup. I have tailored the spices to suit the tastes of my family. They prefer that I use a heavy hand with the cinnamon and a very light hand with the cloves. Adjust the spices and the sugar to your personal preferences.

Ingredients:

3 cups water 
3 cups milk
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
pinch white pepper
6 black tea bags
1/3 – 1/2 cup honey or sugar

Directions:

1. In a medium sized pot, heat the milk, water, and the spices together until they begin to boil. Stir regularly to prevent the milk from scalding or forming a skin. Remove from heat as soon as the liquid begins to boil.

Add the tea bags. Place the pot over a low heat and allow the tea bags to steep  for 5 minutes.
Place a colander over a container: Then line the colander with a thin cloth. I prefer a flour sack cloth. 

Strain the tea through the thin cloth.

Remove the tea bags and squeeze any liquid out of them.
Return the strained tea to the pot and add the honey or sugar. Heat over a low fire until the honey or sugar is completely dissolved. Serve immediately.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and mix well (especially if you used honey as it likes to settle on the bottom) before serving.

Feel free to share a link to your favorite homemade coffee, teas, and cocoas. Warm drinks are consumed in large quantities at our house in the winter!

This post is linked to Wholesome Whole Foods, Friday Potluck, Vegetarian Foodie Friday, Foodie Friday, and Food on Fridays.