“I AM NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA” – David Gate
Alright, I love homemade chai tea, but the birth of this recipe is a little bittersweet to me. I don’t know where y’all are at in your coffee addiction journey, but I am a coping addict. I could quit if I wanted to, but I don’t wish to – my body, however, has been kindly asking me to cut back in the form of headaches after too many cups of coffee. This major bummer led me to look for another form of something delicious to drink with a caffeine kick. That’s not to say I’m not drinking coffee anymore, don’t you worry.
My fantastic neighbor gave me the start to this chai tea recipe, which has become “my cup of tea,” if you will, as far as afternoon caffeine boosts go. This Instapot chai tea recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for those who want a delicious caffeine boost. It’s spicy, fragrant, and the ideal balance of warming spices.
Favorite Ingredients
Ceylon Cinnamon: Make sure you’re using Ceylon cinnamon! Not all cinnamon is created equal, and Ceylon is the type you want for this recipe. Check your source to be sure.
Rishi Earl Grey Tea: Rishi’s Earl Grey is my go-to for this chai tea, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer!
Homemade Chai Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 cardamom pods, cracked (use the side of a knife to crack them, like garlic)
- 1 whole clove
- 1 gram anise seeds
- 2 grams whole peppercorns
- 16 grams of grated ginger
- 2 bags Earl Grey tea
Instructions:
- Add Ingredients: In an Instapot (or you can set everything up in a pot on your stovetop), add the water, cinnamon stick, cracked cardamom pods, clove, anise seeds, peppercorns, ginger, and Earl Grey tea bags.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instapot lid and set it to pressure cook for 30 minutes. (If you are going stove-top style, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.)
- Release Pressure: Once the timer goes off, release the pressure using the vent.
- Strain the Tea: Place a jar in the sink with a strainer over the top. Open the Instapot, remove the inner pot, and carefully pour the chai tea through the strainer into the jar.
- Dilute (Optional): If you prefer a lighter tea, add 1 cup of water to dilute it. If you drink your tea iced, the ice will naturally dilute it, so keep that in mind.
- Store: Let the tea cool, then store it in the fridge. You can reheat it or enjoy it over ice. Drink within a week for freshness.
P.S. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some milk (oat milk is my fave), sprinkle some nutmeg on top, and boom, you have a chai latte.
Servings: 7 cups
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
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