Chai concentrate by Teavana is a beautiful aromatic blend of spice, and it forms the perfect base to make a delicious chai latte. It is a thick mix of spices and tea which steeps in water creating a bold aromatic experience that you can make at home. This chai latte recipe, made easily and at home, is perfect for cold days.
How to Prepare Homemade Teavana Chai Concentrate
For Teavana Chai Concentrate, you need black tea, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, sugar, and ginger. Bring the water to a boil along with the spices and black tea — steep, then stain and sweeten. Chai Latte — keep it in the fridge and mix with milk.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 8 black tea bags – for a beefy and all-encompassing, base of flavor
- 2 cinnamon sticks for that cozy, warm, spiced flavor.
- 8 cloves – adds a sharp, fragrant spice to the concentrate
- Cardamom (8 pods): Lends a very distinct sweet-spicy flavor.
- 4 fresh ginger: Adds a zesty bite to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: A bit of heat.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon ( Adds a sweet smell, rounds out the spices)
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar, adding to taste, balancing the spice.
Instructions
- Boil The Water: Add water on a large pot and boil it at medium heat.
- Brew the Spices and Tea: Remove from heat; add tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, and black peppercorns. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Mix in Taste/Flavor with Vanilla and Sweetener – Add the honey or, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl, making sure all is well combined.
- Strain the Concentrate: Take pot off the heat and cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a fine mesh sieve (this will catch all of the toasted spices) and strain through to get full-flavored yet clear concentrate.
- Storing: Put the concentrate in a glass jar or bottle This can be stored in fridge for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
- Hot chai latte: Milk of your choice Just heat them up stove-top/ microwave and you have yourself a hot soothing beverage.
- Iced Chai Latte: Fill a glass with ice, pour chai concentrate over the ice, and mix with cold milk for an icy, cool drink.
- Chai with a twist: Spiced Chai Latte with a Pump of Flavored Syrup (Vanilla, Caramel).
- Spiced Chai Latte: add a sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg to offer a warm, spiced fragrance.
- Chai Smoothie: Blend a banana, some chai concentrate, and yogurt for creamy spiced smoothie.
- Chai Affogato: If you haven’t tried it, pour hot chai concentrate over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s an awesome dessert.
Tips and Variations
- Spice level: If you like it a little spicy: Add more spices.
- Almond Milk Alternative — Used in dairy-free recipes like pancakes and muffins (can use soy or oat milk as well).
- Frothy Milk: Froth the milk before combining with the concentrate for a cafe styled chai latte.
- Honey or agave: Add honey or agave syrup for more sweetness.
- Iced: Same as the hot method and then pour over ice.
- Garnish: Finish with cinnamon or nutmeg to provide more sweetness.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Serving size: 4 servings
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Ingredient Substitutes
- Black Tea: Decaf black tea or caffeine-free herbal tea instead of regular make range
- Cloves: Use allspice, anise, or fennel seeds instead of cloves, as they share the same taste profile.
- Cardamom: you can use grated nutmeg or simply ginger powder instead.
- Peppercorns: Substitute cayenne pepper or sprinkle red chili flakes into the sauce for extra heat.
- Honey/Sugar: Swap maple syrup, agave nectar, or an alternative of wire/you prefer in place from honey and sugar. Adjust the amount to taste.
FAQs
Is it possible to make a caffeine-free chai concentrate?
Yes, for a caffeine free version you may use decaffeinated tea or a blend of different type of naturally caffeine free herbal teas.
How long does the chai concentrate last?
Chai concentrate will keep in the refrigerator for a week. It is always a good idea to store it in an air-tight glass jar to preserve their potency.
Can the sweetness be turned up or down?
Well, the sweetness is, of course, negotiable. While brewing the concentrate, you can increase or decrease honey, sugar, or any sugar alternative.
Can I make a bigger batch to save some for next time?
Of course, you can certainly double or even triple this recipe to make up a big batch. All you need are your storage containers, and remember it will last in the refrigerator for one week, so plan accordingly.
How to veganizing the chai concentrate?
Add just enough of our favorite plant based sweetener — I used honey (not vegan) but feel free to use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Are you missing some of these spices?
They might change the flavor a little bit, but you could always leave them out or swap in ground allspice and nutmeg—you’ll still be on your way to a great cup of chai.
Conclusion
DIY Teavana Chai Concentrate is an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy your own chai lattes at home. All the spices included make for a warming beverage and the spicy heat is welcomed in any season. Get creative and play around with different elements giving you that warm, spicy cup of love.
Teavana Chai Concentrate Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Boil The Water
Add water on a large pot and boil it at medium heat.
Brew the Spices and Tea
Remove from heat; add tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, and black peppercorns. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Mix in Taste/Flavor with Vanilla and Sweetener
Add the honey or, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl, making sure all is well combined.
Strain the Concentrate
Take pot off the heat and cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a fine mesh sieve (this will catch all of the toasted spices) and strain through to get full-flavored yet clear concentrate.
Storing
Put the concentrate in a glass jar or bottle This can be stored in fridge for up to a week.
