3 cups water (or milk or nut milk of your choice)
5 green cardamom pods (crushed or 1 teaspoon powder)
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
3 pieces star anise
2 tsp fennel seed
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (or 5 shaves of fresh grated)
1/4 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
1/4 tsp ground cloves (or 1 tbsp whole cloves)
8 black peppercorns
1 1/2 cup milk (if starting with milk, omit this step - just add more milk at the start.) 6 tsp black tea or Earl Gray Cinnamon stick and Star Anise (for serving)
Bring water, cardamom, cinnamon powder, star anise, fennel seed, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and peppercorns to a boil over medium high heat.
Add milk and return to a boil.
Add tea and simmer for 2 minutes.
Simmer or steep the tea depending on how strong or mild you would like your tea.
Strain, sweeten with sugar/honey/maple syrup (to taste).
If you have a milk frother use it now! That is if you'd like frothed milk and more of a chai latte :) Serve with cinnamon stick and star anise.
Enjoy!