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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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One blustery winter evening, after a particularly grueling shift at the local bookstore, I stumbled upon a tiny, unassuming tea shop tucked away on a side street. The air inside was thick with the scent of spices, and a kind, babushka-like woman offered me a steaming mug of something she called 'Russian Caravan Chai.' One sip, and I was hooked. The smoky, robust flavor of the tea, combined with the warming spices, was unlike anything I'd ever tasted. It felt like a hug in a mug. That night, I knew I had to recreate this magical drink at home. And now, I'm sharing my version with you!
Unlike your average chai latte, the Russian Caravan version boasts a distinctive smoky character, thanks to the unique blend of teas used in Russian Caravan. This smokiness plays beautifully with the traditional chai spices, creating a depth of flavor that's both comforting and intriguing. It's the perfect drink for those looking to elevate their chai experience. I truly find it remarkable how different cultures have been able to use tea in such uniquely delightful ways, do you?
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of your favorite liqueur – a little bit of spiced rum or even some coffee liqueur can take this latte to another level. And don't be afraid to experiment with the spices; a pinch of cardamom or a dash of star anise can add a unique twist. Honestly, the possibilities are endless. My friend Sergei even likes to add a little bit of chocolate syrup, which I think is a bit much, but hey, to each their own! But I think the best thing about making this at home is that you can adjust it to just how you like it, and it's cheaper than going to that chain store.
Required Equipments
- Small Saucepan
- Fine-mesh Sieve
- Mugs
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Milk Frother (Optional)
Russian Caravan Chai Latte: Frequently Asked Questions
Russian Caravan Chai Latte
Warm up with a Russian Caravan Chai Latte, a comforting blend of smoky tea, aromatic spices, and creamy milk. This delightful drink offers a unique twist on the classic chai latte, perfect for cozy afternoons or a flavorful start to your day.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: You'll need Russian Caravan tea, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, black peppercorns, ginger (fresh or ground), milk (dairy or non-dairy), and sweetener of your choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup, etc.).
- Prepare the tea concentrate: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of Russian Caravan tea leaves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, 4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed), 1 star anise, 6 black peppercorns, and 1/2 inch of fresh ginger (sliced) or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Note: If you cant find Russian Caravan tea, Lapsang Souchong or a blend of black teas with a smoky flavour will also work.
- Simmer the spices: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the stronger the spice infusion will be. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if it starts to get too low. Also keep an eye on the clock - you dont want to burn the spices.
- Strain the tea: Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heat-proof container. Discard the tea leaves and spices. (Pro-tip: I usually line my seive with a coffee filter, just to make sure I get all of the little spices!)
- Heat the milk: In a separate saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk (or non-dairy alternative) over medium heat until it's steaming but not boiling. Be careful not to scald the milk!
- Froth the milk (optional): If you like a frothy latte, use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk vigorously to create a foamy top. I actually use an old french press (without the coffee, of course!) to make my milk foamy, it works just as well!
- Combine tea and milk: Pour the tea concentrate into mugs, filling each about halfway. Then, pour the heated milk over the tea concentrate, leaving some room at the top for froth.
- Sweeten to taste: Add your preferred sweetener to taste. I personally love using a drizzle of honey, but maple syrup or even a sprinkle of brown sugar works well too.
- Top with froth (optional): Spoon the frothed milk over the top of the lattes. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the warmth and comforting flavors of your homemade Russian Caravan Chai Latte! Seriously, its better than Starbucks... and cheaper!
📝 Notes
- Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. For a stronger flavor, simmer for a longer time.
- Use any type of milk you prefer, dairy or non-dairy.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 250 mg
