Maple Chai Iced Tea

This chilled tea is brewed with black tea and warming chai spices, then balanced with maple syrup and a little lemon. It is served over plenty of ice so the spice reads clearly without becoming heavy.

By Julienne

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 500 ml water for brewing tea
• 1 count cinnamon stick lightly crushed
• 4 count green cardamom pods lightly crushed
• 4 count whole cloves whole
• 10 g fresh ginger thinly sliced
• 1 count star anise whole
• 2 count black tea bags plain
• 30 ml maple syrup use to sweeten
• 10 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 300 g ice cubes for serving
• 1 g ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 500 ml water, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 green cardamom pods, 4 whole cloves, 10 g sliced ginger, and 1 star anise. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes. The liquid smells strongly spiced and the surface is barely simmering.
2. Turn off the heat, add 2 black tea bags, and steep for 4 minutes. Do not oversteep or the tea may turn bitter. The tea is dark, fragrant, and balanced rather than harsh.
3. Strain the tea into a measuring jug or bowl, then stir in 30 ml maple syrup and 10 ml lemon juice while the tea is still warm. The maple syrup is fully dissolved and the liquid tastes sweet-spiced with a light citrus edge.
4. Fill 2 glasses with 300 g ice cubes total, then divide the tea evenly between the glasses. Sprinkle each drink with a little ground cinnamon if using. The tea is thoroughly chilled by the ice and served immediately with visible condensation on the glass.