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Cozy Spiced Chai Simmer

This chai spice simmer involves gently boiling a mixture of whole spices and liquids to extract rich aroma and flavor. The result is a fragrant, beautifully spiced liquid with a warm, inviting appearance that can be enjoyed as a beverage or as a home fragrance enhancer.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water preferably filtered
  • 1 cup milk your choice of dairy or plant-based
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener honey, sugar, or maple syrup
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks preferably cinnamon quills
  • 4 whole green cardamom pods lightly crushed to release flavor
  • 3 cloves whole cloves
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thin
  • pinch black peppercorns

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • fine mesh sieve

Method
 

  1. Combine water, milk, and sweetener in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sweetener dissolves, and the mixture begins to warm, releasing a faint steam.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, sliced ginger, and black peppercorns into the warming mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, maintaining low heat to avoid boiling over.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer slowly for about 15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the liquid with fragrant aromas. You’ll see tiny bubbles forming around the edges as the aroma intensifies.
  4. Turn off the heat and carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, catching all the whole spices and ginger slices. This ensures a smooth, flavorful chai base.
  5. Pour the hot strained chai into cups or mugs, ready to be enjoyed as is, or served topped with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon for extra warmth.
  6. Savor the aromatic, spiced liquid that envelops your senses, perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing evenings at home.

Notes

Adjust sweetness and spice quantities to taste. For a stronger spice flavor, extend simmering time by a few additional minutes before straining.