How to Make Chai Concentrate That’s Paleo and Caffeine Free
Chai, made popular in the US at coffee shops, has become my favorite alternative when I don’t want coffee. I especially love it when I’m not feeling my best. A recent sinus infection led me to figure out how to make chai concentrate.
How to Make Chai Concentrate That Is Paleo-friendly and Caffeine-free
A few weeks ago, I found myself battling a sinus infection with a sore throat. As I always do when I’ve had sinus issues in the past, I was craving a spicy chai. The only chai concentrates I could find had sugar and had caffeine. Since I was drinking two to three cups per day I need to limit caffeine and of course wanted to enjoy chai that was sweetened with unrefined sweeteners.
To make this chai, I steeped whole spices, a little coconut sugar and decaf tea in water. After ten minutes, I strained it and poured into a bottle. To create the finished drink, I mixed equal amounts of tea and water. After bringing to a simmer, I transferred to a mug and added Nutpods and raw honey to taste. It’s important to not heat raw honey which is why I don’t use it as the sweetener for the concentrate.
Spices in Chai Concentrate
Chai originated in India. The recipe is different from home to home and region to region. I love a very spicy chai, so I used several spices. Look for a health food store with a bulk section for the best prices. You can also find spices at these online sources as well.
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Star Anise
Teas used in Chai
Typically chai is brewed with spices and black tea. I used a blend of Rooibos and black tea. I chose Rooibos because it is an herbal tea that is naturally caffeine-free. It is great for respiratory conditions and since I was battling a sinus infection I felt this was important. I also used decaffeinated English Breakfast to give the tea the dark tea flavor that is traditional and it was the only black tea I had on hand.
Can Chai Concentrate Be Made with Caffeine or Less Spicy?
Of course! You can use all black tea that is fully caffeinated. And if you like less spicy flavors, leave out the black pepper and a bit less ginger. Those are the hottest flavors in the blend.
Gift Ready for the Holidays
Give Chai Concentrate as a gift. Pour it into a 16 oz bottle. Add a tag, ribbon and instructions. It needs to be refrigerated so make this clear on the tag and only give to those who are local.
How to Make Chai Concentrate That’s Paleo and Caffeine Free
Ingredients
2 2″ pieces ginger
4 cinnamon sticks
8-10 black peppercorns
4 cloves
1 star anise
12 cardamom pods
3 allspice berries
1/4 cup coconut sugar
2 rooibos (red tea) bags
2 decaffeinated black tea bags
Directions
- Peel the ginger if it’s not organic. Finely chop
- Bash the cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cloves, star anise and cardamom pods.
- Add everything along with the allspice berries and coconut sugar to a medium saucepan.
- Add 4 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil
- Let steep for 15 minutes then add the tea bags
- Continue to steep for 5 minutes then immediately strain into a jar or bottle.
- When ready to brew, heat equal parts tea and water until just simmering. Add dairy free milk and raw honey to taste.
How long can you leave the Chai in the fridge?
You can refrigerate tea for up to 5 days.