Chocolate Chai

**Mandy**'s Note:

I'm not really a big tea fan but I saw this recipe & just had to try it. I love the blend of spices with the cocoa, it's really great. I used vanilla tea with mine so mine was more like a chocolate vanilla chai, I suppose you could experiment with things like caramel or even toffee tea too. Recipe is from SFI.

• Total Time: 11 mins
• Prep Time: 1 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 3 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
• 8 cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 4 teaspoons demerara sugar
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Combine tea, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, cocoa powder, sugar and 1 1/2 cups of cold water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring, for 5 minutes or until aromatic.
3. Add milk. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until hot. Strain into 2 heatproof glasses or cups. Serve.

Reviews

[Mikekey]

Very rich tasting, and the cocoa was a nice addition. It helps to crack the cardamom pods a bit before using, to get more flavor from the seeds. Personally, I really like cardamom, so may use ground next time for more flavor. A nice comforting cuppa on a cold, dreary afternoon. Made for Winter 2010 Comfort Cafe game.

[invictus]

Mmmmm this was interesting and different but not quite my cup of tea so to speak. I think the cocoa destracted me from the flavors of the chai I was hoping for. Always good to try good things though. Thanks for a new experience Mandy!

[Crafty Lady 13]

I love chai and this beverage is no exception. I also used vanilla tea and loved the way it flavored this drink. I have never used demerara sugar before, and enjoyed my first experience. Thanks for another great recipe, Mandy. Made for September, 2008 Bevy Tag.