A rainy, dark day calls for a quick visit at Starbucks for a big cup of fragrant chai latte to energize us and relax us at the same time. What’s not to love about this amazing, exotic beverage? Sweet, aromatic and slightly spicy it offers the right amount of caffeine and combination of spices to invigorate our senses.
But who needs to pay for a chai latte when you can make your own very easily and affordably? In a previous post, I shared with you a simple recipe for homemade chai concentrate that you can use both for lattes or desserts.
In this post, you will learn how to make a DIY Chai Spice Mix for easy access every time you want to prepare your chai or want to add a hint of it to your recipes. The good news about this mix is that it lasts longer than the syrup and it literally takes a few minutes to prepare.
Oh and it’s so cheap!
Ingredients:
makes a small jar
- 3 tsp green cardamom pods
- 2 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise
- 9-10 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- mortar and pestle
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Lightly crush the cardamom, black peppercorns, star anise, cloves and cinnamon using a mortar and pestle.
- Place your crushed spices in a baking pan, and toast for about 5 minutes until they release their aroma.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Using the mortar and pestle, crush them into a fine powder.
- Add the nutmeg and ginger and mix together.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Notes:
You can use this chai mix to make your chai and chai lattes by adding just half or one teaspoon (depending on how strong your want it) to your tea.
Also this makes a great mix to flavor your baked goods or smoothies. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
If you are a chai tea lover you must take a look at this amazing chai tea kit. It’s the perfect kit to have all your spices organized!