# What You’ll Need:
→ Chai Base
01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk or dairy alternative
03 - 1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose black tea leaves
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar, adjust to taste
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - Pinch of ground black pepper
→ Spiced Whipped Cream
11 - 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream
12 - 1/4 teaspoon reserved spice blend
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. Measure and set aside 1/4 teaspoon for the whipped cream topping.
02 - Place water, tea bag or leaves, brown sugar, and remaining spice blend in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer gently.
03 - Reduce heat to low and stir in milk. Let mixture steep for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld fully.
04 - Remove from heat. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a warmed mug to remove tea leaves and spice particles.
05 - Whip heavy cream with honey and reserved spice blend using a hand whisk or electric mixer until soft peaks form.
06 - Top hot chai latte with spiced whipped cream. Dust with additional cinnamon or nutmeg for festive presentation.
