# Components:
→ Chai Base
01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
03 - 1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon black tea leaves
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - Pinch of ground black pepper
→ Spiced Whipped Cream
11 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
12 - 1/4 teaspoon reserved spice mix
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Reserve 1/4 teaspoon of this spice mix for the whipped cream.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine the water, black tea, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
03 - Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat and strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves or tea bag and spice sediments.
05 - In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, honey, and reserved spice mix until soft peaks form using a hand whisk or electric mixer.
06 - Top the chai latte with a generous spoonful of spiced whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra festivity.
