Description
A homemade, make-ahead chai latte syrup that captures the warm, spicy flavor of coffee shop drinks without the cost. This concentrated syrup lasts up to four weeks in the fridge or three months in the freezer, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tbsp (10 g) black tea leaves (loose leaf Assam or Ceylon, or 4 strong tea bags)
- 2 large cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground)
- 6 cardamom pods (crushed)
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 star anise
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the spices: Crush the cardamom pods lightly, mince the fresh ginger finely, and leave cloves and star anise whole.
- Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, black tea leaves, cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom, cloves, fresh ginger, and star anise.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow spices to infuse.
- Cool and strain: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Pour through a mesh strainer into a glass jar, pressing solids to extract flavor. Discard solids.
- Finish: Stir in vanilla extract once the syrup is cool enough to handle.
- Store: Let syrup come to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight glass jar for up to 4 weeks.
- Serve: Heat 1 cup of milk and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of syrup. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Notes
Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Use filtered water for best taste. If using ground spices, add them at the end of simmering to avoid bitterness. For a low-sugar version, replace half the sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons syrup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chai latte syrup, homemade chai syrup, make ahead coffee, fall recipes, coffee shop copycat, meal prep drinks, vegan chai, dairy free chai