Description
A warm and aromatic Coconut Chai recipe that blends creamy coconut milk with classic chai spices and honey for a soothing and flavorful beverage. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tea and Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon loose-leaf chai tea
- 2 tablespoons honey
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Liquids: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of water to create the base for your chai.
- Heat to Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer, preparing it for steeping the tea.
- Add Chai Tea: Introduce 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chai tea into the simmering liquid.
- Submerge Tea Leaves: Stir the tea into the liquid, ensuring the tea leaves are fully submerged for optimal infusion.
- Steep the Tea: Allow the mixture to gently heat and steep for about 5 minutes, drawing out the rich flavors from the tea leaves.
- Sweeten with Honey: While steeping, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the saucepan, stirring until completely dissolved to add natural sweetness.
- Add Spices: Incorporate ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper into the saucepan for depth and warmth.
- Distribute Spices: Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly incorporated throughout the chai.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the mixture simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Strain the Chai: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the chai through a fine mesh strainer to remove tea leaves and spice bits.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth and sweet finishing note.
- Serve Warm: Pour the coconut chai into a mug and enjoy it warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness level.
- To make this drink vegan, ensure the honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
- Experiment with fresh spices for an even more aromatic chai.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick for garnish and extra aroma if desired.
