Spiced Tea Concentrate
why make this recipe
Spiced Tea Concentrate is an inviting and flavorful beverage that warms your soul. It’s perfect for chilly days or a cozy evening at home. Making your own concentrate means you can customize it to your taste, adjust sweetness, and enjoy a rich blend of spices. Plus, keeping a batch in your fridge means you always have a delicious drink on hand.
how to make Spiced Tea Concentrate
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 7 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 6 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 1 small piece (about 1 inch) of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
Directions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse into the water.
- Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes. If you are using loose tea, use a strainer over the saucepan to catch the loose leaves.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The concentrate can be kept for up to two weeks.
- To serve, mix one part Spiced Tea Concentrate with one part milk of your choice. Heat the mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Serve immediately.
how to serve Spiced Tea Concentrate
You can serve Spiced Tea Concentrate in many ways. The simplest method is to mix it with equal parts milk, then heat it. This creates a creamy, spicy tea. You can also sweeten it more according to your preference or add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra kick. Enjoy it in a cozy mug while relaxing at home or sharing good moments with friends.
how to store Spiced Tea Concentrate
Store your Spiced Tea Concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may settle over time.
tips to make Spiced Tea Concentrate
- Adjust the sugar to your taste. You can use less or more depending on how sweet you prefer your tea.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices. Adding star anise, fennel seeds, or even a pinch of cayenne can create delightful variations!
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the spices simmer longer than 20 minutes before adding the tea.
variation
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also try adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for sweetness instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, you can use green tea, but it will change the flavor. Black tea gives a more robust taste.
2. How long can I keep the concentrate in the fridge?
The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
3. Can I freeze the concentrate?
Yes, you can freeze the concentrate. Pour it into ice cube trays and use it as needed. Just remember to adjust the serving size when mixing with milk.
Spiced Tea Concentrate
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
- Mix one part Spiced Tea Concentrate with one part milk of your choice.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Serve immediately.