Herbal Chai Recipe
Make Herbal Chai Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tea Blend
Brewing Liquids
Optional Sweeteners & Garnish
Method
Tea Blend
- 1
Prep the whole spices
Lightly crush the cardamom pods, cloves, and peppercorns with the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle to release oils. Break the cinnamon sticks into 2–3 pieces. If using star anise, leave whole. Combine the crushed spices with fennel seeds and dried orange peel (if using).
- 2
Assemble the loose blend
Place the rooibos (or chosen herbal tea) in a bowl and add the prepared spice mix and the sliced fresh ginger. If using vanilla extract, add it to the tea and stir briefly so it distributes through the leaves. This is your loose herbal chai blend—use it immediately for brewing or store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Brewing Liquids
- 3
Simmer the spices
Pour 4 cups cold water into a medium saucepan. Add the prepared whole-spice mix (including ginger) to the water. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Simmering extracts the full spice flavor; keep the boil gentle to avoid burning off aromatics.
- 4
Steep the herbal tea
After simmering the spices, remove the pan from heat and add the rooibos/herbal tea blend. Cover the pan and let it steep off the heat for 5 minutes for a milder cup or up to 8 minutes for stronger flavor. Rooibos tolerates longer steeping without bitterness; adjust steep time to taste.
- 5
- 6
Strain the chai
Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a serving pot or heatproof pitcher and pour the chai through to strain out the leaves, spices, and ginger. Press gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract remaining liquid and flavor. Discard solids (or compost).
Optional Sweeteners & Garnish
- 7
- 8
Serve
Ladle the hot herbal chai into warmed cups. If desired, sprinkle a small pinch of ground cinnamon on each cup for aroma and presentation. Serve immediately.
