If you're a chai tea enthusiast looking to elevate your tea experience, adding dehydrated citrus can bring a surprising twist to your traditional cuppa. This warm, aromatic fusion of spices and the tangy zest of dehydrated orange, creates a perfect blend of flavors.

Let's dive into how to create this epic blend that will leave all who sip it wanting more.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea or 2 black tea bags

2 cups water

2 cups milk (you can use dairy or plant-based milk)

2 tablespoons of honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener

Spices

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 4-5 cardamom pods

- 4-5 whole cloves

- 1-2 star anise

- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

- 1-2 slices of fresh ginger

Dehydrated citrus

2-3 slices of dehydrated orange

Instructions

Lightly crush the cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns along with the dehydrated orange slices to release their flavors. You can use a mortar and pestle or wrap in a tea towel and bash softly with a rolling pin.

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the crushed spice & orange, cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger slices. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse. (Your kitchen will smell wonderful)

Add the black tea to the saucepan. If using loose-leaf tea, you can place it in a tea infuser or leave it loose, and strain later. Allow the tea to steep with the spices for 3-5 minutes.

Pour in the milk and add your preferred sweetener. If you prefer a black chail omit the milk. Stir well and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the flavors meld together.

Remove the saucepan from heat. If you used loose-leaf tea and whole spices, strain the chai tea into your teapot or directly into cups. Ensure to catch all the spices and tea leaves for a smooth cup.

For an extra touch, you can add a slice of dehydrated citrus as a garnish. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of your homemade chai tea with dehydrated citrus.

Tips and Variations

Spice it up - Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add more ginger for extra warmth or more cardamom for a sweet aroma.

Citrus choice: Experiment with different dehydrated citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit for unique flavor profiles.

Cold brew option: This recipe can also be adapted for a refreshing iced chai tea. After straining, let the tea cool, refrigerate, and serve over ice.

Adding dehydrated citrus to your chai tea elevates the flavor. The citrus tang complements the robust spices and gives a light fresh take on this traditional drink. Enjoy this chai on a cozy morning or as a cozy bedtime drink – it’s sure to become a favorite in your tea repertoire.