Traditionally, chai is a blend of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, black pepper and vanilla. It’s brewed by street vendors across most of India, but now has become a popular drink across the world. Chai is served either hot or cold, but always creamy, very spicy, and puckeringly sweet.
We find our chai is best complimented by the flavor of Savannah Bee Company’s Honey For Your Tea, and recently made a batch for our staff on a brisk October afternoon.
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Check out our brewing tips for Cacao Chai Tea:
Cacao Chai: Chai made with cacao shell has a unique and distinct flavor profile compared to regular chai tea. The addition of cacao shells imparts a subtle chocolatey flavor to the tea, which blends well with the traditional chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black peppercorn and cloves. The taste of chai made with cacao shell is less sweet than a chai latte, which is a Westernized version of chai tea that is typically sweeter and less complex in flavor.
According to Mayan religious beliefs, Cacao had a divine origin. In one of their creation stories, Cacao is one of the precious substances from the mountain of sustenance. While this chai does not contain any of the chocolate that the Mayans revered, the cacao shells offer the aroma and flavor of chocolate.
Brewing: For each serving, add ½ cup water, ½ cup whole milk, one heaping teaspoon of chai, and 2 teaspoons sugar, honey or maple syrup. Bring pot to boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat. Strain, and serve hot or cold.
Enjoy!