I can’t believe my first drink post is non-alcoholic. That’s shocking for me and so sad. However, this Chai Tea is so yummy hopefully we can all forget about it! A wonderful brunch accompaniment, afternoon pick-me-up or a soothing finale after dinner. I can’t believe how easy it is to make. Throw out the institutional powder mix you can find at the supermarket. Cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger aromas will fill your home with this treat.

This little find come from Gale Gand’s Brunch!: 100 Fantastic Recipes for the Weekend’s Best Meal. I drool at all the scrumptious brunch fare.

Chai Tea

2 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods, crushed, or 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 cinnamon stick or 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 slice fresh ginger or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
4 teaspoons Darjeeling or other black tea leaves
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 cup whole milk

In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water with the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon,and ginger and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat off and add the tea, letting it steep for about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and milk, and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes (do not boil), stirring to dissolve the sugar. Strain the liquid into a container with a spout, and pour into teacups. Serve hot.