Description
Refreshing Chai Cold Brew with homemade concentrate and spicy chai syrup. Perfect for a caffeinated twist!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (dark roast preferred)
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or Assam)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Cold brew concentrate (as prepared above)
- Chai syrup (as prepared above)
- Milk or milk alternative (oat milk or almond milk recommended)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Whipped cream, cinnamon powder, star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Grind the Coffee: Use a coarse grind for your coffee beans.
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the ground coffee and cold, filtered water. Stir well.
- Steep in the Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate for 12-18 hours.
- Strain the Concentrate: Strain the coffee grounds using a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh sieve or a French press.
- Second Strain (Optional): For a smoother cold brew, strain again through a clean cheesecloth or coffee filter.
- Store the Concentrate: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Combine Water and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar.
- Add Chai Spices: Add tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and ginger to the saucepan. Add nutmeg if using.
- Bring to a Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer and Infuse: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chai spices to infuse.
- Remove from Heat and Steep: Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain the Syrup: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container. Discard the tea bags and spices.
- Store the Syrup: Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Fill Glass with Ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add Cold Brew Concentrate: Pour in about ¼ cup of cold brew concentrate (adjust to taste).
- Add Chai Syrup: Add 2-3 tablespoons of chai syrup (adjust to taste).
- Add Milk or Milk Alternative: Top off the glass with your milk of choice.
- Stir Well: Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the amount of cold brew concentrate, chai syrup, or milk to your liking.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon powder, or star anise.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier chai flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chai syrup while simmering.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Use plant-based milk for a vegan version.
- Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick.
- Blend with ice for a refreshing frappe.
- Experiment with different types of black tea in the chai syrup.
- Adjust the spices in the chai syrup to your liking.
- If your cold brew is bitter, use a coarser grind of coffee or reduce the steeping time.
- If your chai flavor is weak, simmer the chai syrup longer or use more spices.
- If your chai syrup is too thick, simmer it gently instead of boiling it.
- If your chai syrup is too thin, simmer it longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes