Ingredients for about 4 people

• 1 stick cinnamon
• 20 cardamom pods, cracked
• 1 cloves, whole
• ½ star anise pod (optional)
• 8 peppercorns, whole — white preferred
• 1 inch of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons loose black tea
• 2 tablespoons sugar, honey or maple syrup
• 1 cup milk or alternative

Preparation

1. Place cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, ginger, peppercorns and water into a small pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until water level has reduced by at least a quarter. [Note: For a spicier chai, simmer longer until water level is closer to half of the original but start with an extra cup of water.]
2. Return pot to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea, cover and set aside to let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids, then return liquid to the pot.
4. Stir in the sweeterner and milk and heat over low heat for 1 minute.
5. Pour into cups and serve.
6. Note: More ginger and more peppercorns will make it hotter. More cardamom and star anise will give it a stronger licorice taste.