Description
Enjoy a comforting cup of Hot Vanilla Spiced Tea infused with warming cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and rounded out with creamy milk. This easy stovetop recipe makes a flavorful and cozy beverage perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a soothing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea and Spices
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
Sweetener and Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions
- Simmer the Spices: In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lightly crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the spices deeply into the water.
- Steep the Tea: Add the black tea bags or loose tea to the spiced water. Allow it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and your choice of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the tea according to your taste preference.
- Warm the Milk: Pour in the milk and return the saucepan to low heat. Warm the mixture gently, ensuring it does not reach a boil, just heated through to maintain a creamy texture.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into mugs to remove the spices and tea leaves. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and comfort.
Notes
- For a stronger spice flavor, simmer the cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom longer before adding the tea.
- This recipe can be doubled easily or prepared in advance and reheated gently.
- Use decaffeinated black tea if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
- Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy work well to keep the recipe vegan.
