Honey-Vanilla Chai Tea Latte

Developing this recipe was delicious because I had to try it 3 times before I felt I got it "just right".  That means I have imbibed six mugs of this gloriously frothy beverages in a week's time.  Yum.

By definition, chai tea is a mixture of black tea, honey, spices, and milk.  The spices can vary depending on personal taste.

I chose spices that, for me, capture the essence of fall.

Begin by mixing together the spices:  I chose ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.  (Cardamom can be a rather pricey spice.  It lends a very distinctive taste to this recipe, but is completely optional.)

Place two bags of your favorite black tea in a large measuring cup. 

Place a sieve or small colander over the cup.

Top with a coffee filter.

Add spice mix to the filter.

And pour about 12 ounces of boiling water into the filter.  Allow tea bags to steep in the spiced water for 4-5 minutes, or until desired tea strength is reached.

(In a small saucepan, mix together 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.  Heat until steaming, whisking constantly until the mixture is very frothy.)

Divide the spiced tea between two mugs,

And pour in the milk and honey mixture. 

Creamy fall loveliness for two, anyone?

Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Honey-Vanilla Chai Tea Latte 
2 servings

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 ounces water, boiling
2 individual tea bags
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Bring water to boil.

In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg.  Set aside.

Place the tea bags in a 2-cup glass measuring cup (or other heat-safe container).  Place a sieve (or colander) over the measuring cup and line it with a coffee filter.

Place spice mixture in coffee filter.  Carefully pour boiling water over the spice mixture, allowing it to slowly filter through the spices and drip down onto the tea bags.  Allow tea bags to steep for 3-5 minutes, or until your preferred strength of tea is achieved.

Discard coffee filter and spices.  Divide the spiced tea between two mugs.  

Heat milk, honey, and vanilla in small saucepan until steaming (this can also be done in the microwave).  Use a whisk to froth the milk.  Divide milk mixture between the two mugs containing the spiced tea and enjoy!