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Homemade Chai Concentrate Recipe

4.6 from 65 reviews

This Homemade Chai Concentrate is a flavorful and aromatic base made by simmering a blend of black tea and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Sweetened to taste, this concentrate can be mixed with milk or a milk alternative to create a rich, comforting chai latte at home. Perfect for customizing sweetness and spice levels, it offers a cozy caffeine boost with every sip.

Ingredients

Scale

Chai Concentrate Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 23 tablespoons sweetener (such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup, adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Spice Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and whole cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to allow the spices to infuse the water with their flavors, simmering for about 10 minutes.
  2. Add Tea: Once the spices have simmered, add the black tea bags to the pot. Let them steep in the hot spiced water for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the tea releases its robust aroma and color.
  3. Strain Concentrate: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate out the tea leaves and spices, resulting in a smooth chai concentrate.
  4. Sweeten the Concentrate: While the chai concentrate is still warm, stir in your chosen sweetener until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness according to your preference.
  5. Store or Serve: Allow the chai concentrate to cool. You can use it immediately by mixing with hot milk or milk alternatives in a 1:1 ratio, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for convenient chai lattes anytime.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice quantities depending on your taste preference for a stronger or milder chai flavor.
  • Use fresh ginger and whole spices for the best aroma and flavor extraction.
  • This concentrate can be used to make iced chai lattes by mixing with cold milk and ice.
  • For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Reheat chai concentrate gently to avoid bitterness before serving.

Keywords: chai concentrate, homemade chai, spiced tea, chai latte, black tea spices, Indian beverage