How To Make The Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

How to Make the Perfect Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

This holiday season, ditch the usual chai and spice things up with a warm, comforting, and deliciously festive Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. This recipe blends the classic chai spices with the cozy flavors of gingerbread for a truly unique and satisfying beverage. It's easy to make, vegan-friendly, and guaranteed to become your new favorite winter warmer.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes about two generous servings. Adjust quantities as needed.

• For the Chai Concentrate:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 black tea bags (or 1 teaspoon loose leaf black tea)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)

• For the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai:

  • 2 cups oat milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
  • 1/2 cup chai concentrate (from above)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Optional: Whipped cream, gingerbread cookies for garnish

Instructions: Brewing the Perfect Chai Concentrate

1. Combine the Spices: In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns. Bring this mixture to a boil.

2. Simmer and Steep: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the water. This step extracts the maximum flavor from your spices, creating a deeply aromatic concentrate.

3. Add the Tea: Add the black tea bags (or loose leaf tea) and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Steep for another 5 minutes, or until the tea is brewed to your liking.

4. Strain and Cool: Remove the tea bags (or strain the loose leaf tea) and allow the chai concentrate to cool completely. This step is crucial for the best flavor. You can store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Assembling Your Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai:

1. Warm the Oat Milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the oat milk over low heat. Do not boil.

2. Combine and Spice: Add the cooled chai concentrate, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the warmed oat milk. Stir gently to combine.

3. Serve and Enjoy: Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately! For an extra festive touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a crumbled gingerbread cookie.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai:

• Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup according to your preference.

• Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to customize the flavor profile.

• Make it Ahead: The chai concentrate can be made ahead of time, saving you time when you’re ready to enjoy your drink.

• Milk Alternatives: Experiment with different plant-based milks, such as almond milk or soy milk, to find your favorite flavor combination.

This recipe provides a delicious and warming beverage perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. The fragrant spices and creamy oat milk create a truly comforting experience. Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai! Remember to share your creations on social media using #GingerbreadOatmilkChai for a chance to be featured!