Ingredients
- 10 cardamom pods (about 6g)
- 2 cinnamon quills (about 3g)
- 5 star anise (about 3g)
- 7 whole cloves (about 1g)
- 1 tsp peppercorns (about 3g)
- 2 tbs fresh ginger grated or minced fine (about 30g fresh)
- 1 cup Rooibos or English breakfast tea leaves (67g) (rooibos for decaf, English breakfast for caffeinated)
- 1 tbs vanilla extract or powder (10ml liquid or 3g powder)
- ¼ cup raw honey (72g)
Method
- Place the cardamom pods, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and peppercorns in a small pan over low-medium heat. Dry roast for around 1 minute until fragrant. Be very careful not to brown or burn them.
- Put the dry spices in a mortar and pestle or food processor and pound/process them until they break down into smaller pieces but not into powder.
- Add the fresh ginger, tea leaves, vanilla and honey, and stir until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
BREWING — SINGLE CUP:
- Place 2 teaspoons of the sticky chai mix in a mug.
- Pour approximately 50ml (3 tablespoons) of hot water directly onto the chai.
- Pour warm or frothed oat milk on top to fill the mug. Oat milk is recommended for more flavour, but cow's milk works too (will just be more subtle of a flavour).
- Set a timer for 3 minutes, then strain and serve sprinkled with a little allspice or cinnamon. Too strong of a brew can make this bitter, so don't leave it longer than 3 minutes.
BREWING — POT FOR SHARING (serves 4):
- Place 6-8 teaspoons of the sticky chai mix in a medium saucepan with just enough water to cover.
- Add 4 cups of oat milk (or cow’s milk if you prefer), and Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a teapot or serving jug.
- Pour into mugs and serve sprinkled with a little allspice or cinnamon.
Notes
Make it caffeine-free: Use rooibos or dandelion leaf tea instead of English breakfast tea.
Change up the spices: This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Add or swap spices depending on what you love. Turmeric is a lovely addition.
Using ground spices: You can use ground spices instead of whole spices; just skip the roasting step.
No cardamom? Try using nutmeg as a substitute!
