I have made many chai tea variations over the years and this one is by far my favorite one so far!
The spices used in Chai Tea are warming for the body which is great for helping your body transition into the Autumn months. The transition from Summer to Autumn can be stressful on your body with the temperature changes in addition to keeping up with your day to day activities. By nourishing your nervous system you can maintain a healthy immune system throughout the Autumn and Winter months. Adding ingredients such as whole milk, coconut milk or almond milk, ghee and nutmeg to your Chai tea are extra nourishing and strengthening for your nervous system and will help build Ojas for the coming months. Ojas are nourishing for the body and help to build life energy and keep your energies flowing freely; this in turn is what allows you to feel an overall satisfaction of life and gives you that radiant glow! It is said that a person with good Ojas is calm and content and has a a strong endurance and immunity. In addition to it’s warming and nourishing qualities, Chai Tea is also great for stimulating digestion and promoting circulation. Those who typically run cold will crave and can tolerate the warming qualities of Chai spices. While those who run hot may only want it in small amounts and may crave the cooling qualities of other beverages as well, such as green juice for its bitter cooling benefits. The spices found in Chai will help to increase your Agni (digestive fire) which is essential for healthy digestion. But keep in mind that in excess some spices can cause irritation and inflammation for some, so it is important to find the right balance for your specific body!
For this recipe you will be lightly toasting the spices before adding your water and preparing your tea base.
- 1 Cinnamon Stick – broken up into pieces
- 5 Cloves – whole
- 1 teaspoon Peppercorns
- 3 Green Cardamom – cracked open
Step 1 – Toast the spices listed above in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant- shaking periodically. Then add your water, nutmeg and fresh ginger.
- 1 (1 inch) piece Ginger – fresh and thinly sliced
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- 2 Cups Water
Step 2 – Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and add your black tea. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes.
- 1 Tablespoon Loose Leaf Black Tea or 3 Tea Bags
Step 3 – Strain tea and serve with your choice of milk. Add about 3/4 cup of tea base to your cup and top with milk (cold or frothed). Adjust according to your taste.
- Coconut Milk or your favorite milk (Almond Milk, Whole Milk, Coconut Milk, or other Non Dairy Milk of choice).
- Sweetener to taste such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey (if using honey add the honey once the tea is warm – never add honey to hot liquids as this destroys all the beneficial enzymes).
Tea base can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days if necessary. But it’s always better fresh!
*I like to add my tea base and coconut milk (I use full fat canned) to the nutri-bullet and give it a quick blend for a latte consistency like in the photo!
**If adding ghee add it at the end of preparing your tea.
***The fattier the milk you use the more flavorful your Chai Tea will be.
****You can add warmed frothed milk instead of cold milk – your choice!
Enjoy!!!
Much Love, Happiness & Harmony, Alexis ❤