Chai

My favorite prepackaged chai is Market Spice Chai. Not so much because I like it, but because I LOVE Pike Place Market. I learned very early that this is one chai I will never at water to- it tastes like a warm dreamsicle. I prefer to pair chai spice mix (sans tea) w/ my favorite teas. That way I get the exact flavor I want and the exact tea/spice ratio. Adagio has some very unique ones.

Wow – I just posted about drinking chai in my latest tasting note, and asked everyone’s opinion about what their fave was! What a coincidence! I will be watching this discussion like a hawk :)

I like to make my own, usually brewed per-cup. Here’s my ingredients for a nice strong, spicy brew.

Your favorite indian black tea
1/3-1/2 star anise pod, crushed
2 cardamom pods, crushed
1/2 cinnamon stick
7-9 whole cloves
1/4-1/3 tsp. fresh crushed black pepper (like i said, I love it SPICY!)
1/2 tsp. of powdered ginger (fresh-grated would be way better, though)
dash of nutmeg

I veer from the traditional preparation techniques. I just throw it all together into my double-walled glass Bodum mug and infuser, pour over some boiling hot water and let steep for 5. Strain, add honey to taste (for me around 2 tbsp, it really helps develop all the spiciness) and top off with some soy milk.

I also love chai lattes and make my own instant mix. And almost all of my Starbucks beverages have chai bags in them… Tall non fat double shot 2 pump mocha 2 pump caramel brulee upside down latte w/ 2 chai bags topped w/ whip and mocha and caramel drizzles… YUM!

So happy that people are getting mileage from my post!

I’ll copy it out here from my Kashmiri Chai from Golden Moon review (http://steepster.com/teaplz/posts/20967 for those interested in my post):

Takgoti Chai Instructions
1 cup of water, 1 cup of milk/milk equivalent, 1 tbsp of sugar, 1 tbsp of chai.

Boil water and sugar together in a saucepan until sugar dissolves into water. Into a syrup.
Add the chai, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the milk, let it simmer and stir frequently.
When it comes to a boil (be careful that it doesn’t boil over!), turn the heat off and let it sit for a long time. Like 7-10 minutes long. I let it sit for around 8-9 or so.
Strain and serve.

I’d love to know what everyone’s favorite blends are as well!