The Spread of Serious Chai Tea: Caffeine-free Chai

<p>
<strong>Caffeine-free Chai</strong>
<br />
Caroline MacDougall<br />
<br />
Serves 5</p>
<p>
<em>Rooibos is a deep red herbal tea from South Africa that’s available in some health-food stores. It has a body and flavor similar to those of black tea but is free of caffeine. This spiced version is a rich beverage to which you can add milk and honey.</em>
</p>
<p>To save time, crush and blend the spices and store them for up to a week in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Or simmer the spices in advance, then bottle and freeze the spiced liquid in convenient quantities to make into chai later.</p>
<p>• 2 cinnamon sticks, shredded<br />
• 3 slices gingerroot<br />
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chicory<br />
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cardamom<br />
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns<br />
• 1 teaspoon star anise<br />
• 1 teaspoon cloves<br />
• 2 tablespoons rooibos<br />
• 5 cups boiling water</p>
<p>1. Crush and blend the spices. Add the rooibos and mix well.</p>
<p>2. Warm a teapot with hot water, then pour it out. Put the rooibos/spice blend into the pot and pour in the boiling water. Cover the pot with a towel or tea cozy and steep for 10 minutes.</p>
<p>3. Strain the tea into cups, adding warmed milk and sweetener if desired.</p>
<p>
<hr />
<p>
<em>When she isn’t tracking down food trends and scoping out gourmet groceries, Susan Clotfelter edits herb books for Interweave Press in Loveland, Colorado.</em>
</p>
<p>Back to <a href=”https://www.motherearthliving.com/mother-earth-living/chai-high.aspx”>The Spread of Serious Chai Tea</a>.</p>