It is absolutely that time of year! Autumn, when we want all things pumpkin spiced. Starbucks is now trending it's pumpkin spice chai latte. Although I did try my hand at a few pumpkin recipes, it's not exactly my favorite. I'm more of a sweet potato type of gal, you feel me. However! I have been making vanilla spiced chai at home for years. Now the recipe has changed so many times, as I could never really hit that perfect full bodied blend of spices...until now. My friends, after almost 5 years of making chai at home, I finally found one that I quite love and today, I'm sharing it with you. Here is my recipe for a cozy, warm vanilla spiced chai.
Vanilla Spiced Chai Recipe
2 tbsp of black tea
1/2 tsp of fennel seeds
1/2 tsp of caraway seeds
6 lightly crushed cardamom pods
1 star anise
about 1 tbsp of ginger (whole ginger chunk)
1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
1 cup of water
1 cup of milk of your choice
sweetener of your choice, I use agave
(optional) orange peel or zest
Step 1: Boil 1 cup of water with black tea, vanilla extract and spices until fragrant
Step 2: Add in 1 cup of milk of your choice and let it cook just enough to warm the milk but not boil it
Step 3: Strain the liquid into your cup with a fine mesh strainer
Step 4: Add sweetener to your liking.
Tip: If you want to maximize the flavor and awaken the spices, try grinding them using a mortar and pestle before adding to boil with the tea.
Variation Options
This is a simple enough recipe that literally anyone should be able to do. I do have some added variations though that could kick this up a notch to a whole cozy moment that just sits on the porch with your soul watching a sunset.
1. For more spice, or an actual kick rather, you can swap the ginger root for 1 tsp of whole peppercorn balls. I've had this and it really is a subtle kicker for cooler days.
2. Add an orange peel to the water to boil before adding the milk. I've tried this and let me tell you, it created this real surprising full bodied moment with that undernote of citrus whispering to the spices. It's a must try!
3. Make it a latte! Instead of adding the milk to the tea while it's cooking, you can steam and froth the milk separately on the side. Strain the vanilla spiced chai into your drinking cup and then add the frothed milk and garnish with sprinkled cinnamon or fresh shaved orange zest for a citrus kick.
4. Drop the vanilla. If you don't prefer the taste of vanilla with your tea, simply omit from the recipe and indulge in the spices.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and it gives you a whole inner vibe of thick chunky sweaters on a brisk morning with every sip.
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