Chai Tea Concentrate

Rather than running to Starbucks to get one, keep this made ahead in your fridge.

Ingredients:
5 cups water
3 inches fresh ginger, sliced into coins
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
60 cardamom pods
20 whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole coriander
1 orange peel
1/2 cup whole leaf loose black tea (or 18 tea bags)
3/4 cup honey, more or less to taste
1 tablespoon molasses
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Place the water, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, coriander, and orange peel in a wide saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat and add in the tea. Let steep for 7-9 minutes, then strain the entire mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Stir in the honey, molasses, vanilla, and lemon juice, then pour into a mason jar or other airtight storage container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (the concentrate may be frozen for up to six months).

To serve
Serve with milk in a ratio of 1:1. To serve hot, heat 1/2 cup chai concentrate with 1/2 cup whole milk or almond milk.