Living in the depths of the South West & often only venturing as far as my daughters school, I was somewhat behind with the whole Chai Latte movement. Nevertheless I did eventually stumble across this fashionable Café trend. As I’m not a coffee drinker, I couldn’t help but feel a little smug at the thought of ordering a Latte. Sitting at my table and looking down into a mug of cinnamon dusted tea and slowly sipping my way to sophistication – I must say, I felt quite satisfied!
However as pleasurable as this experience was, I couldn’t help but feel that there was something unfinished about the Chai Latte. The taste had potential but it didn’t deliver the fragrant, spiced punch I envisaged. So once back home, I started playing around with spices and brewing up teas. I now have quite a few versions/recipes but I thought I would share this one with you first.
This does take a little time, but the combination of warming spices swirled in a soft cloud of creaminess and delicately sweetened is well worth it and far more aromatic than my first experience.
Chai Latte – The Real Deal
Serves Two
Ingredients:
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 4 Cardamom Pods
- 10 Peppercorns
- Generous grating of Nutmeg
- 3 Cloves
- 3 Teaspoons of Loose Black Tea*
- 3-5 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
- 200ml water
- 400ml Soya milk (or milk of your choice)
*Note: I used a Breakfast Tea for this recipe as it’s strong and full-bodied and blends well with the milk. Assam would also be another good choice.
Directions:
- Crush the cardamom pods in a pestle and mortar (if you don’t own one simply split the skin with your fingernail) then place in a saucepan along with the cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, black tea and a generous grating of nutmeg.
- Pour the water over the spices and allow to simmer on a medium heat for a few minutes stirring occasionally. When it starts to bubble add the soya milk and continue to stir for 5 minutes until hot.
- Take off the heat and stir in the maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it add between 3-5 tablespoons – I have 5!
- Strain into a large jug and whisk with an electric milk frother. Pour into mugs or tea glasses for a really authentic look and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
- Kick off your shoes, sit back and enjoy x
