The warmly scented and fragrant flavors of chai - cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom - bring this citrusy, bright tea alive. Three forms of citrus are used - pineapple-mango juice, sliced oranges, and lemons. As the tea simmers on the stove like you'd simmer apple cider, it perfumes your house with a heavenly aroma but if you're pressed for time, you can skip simmering it, and simply stir everything together and serve chilled. This versatile tea can be served warm or chilled, and feel free to customize it with your preferred spices. Consider adding Citron, wine, or champagne and making an adults-only punch with it.
Prep Time3 minutesmins
Inactive Time12 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Drinks
Servings: 8
Calories: 211kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
8cups1/2 gallon pineapple juice (orange juice, pineapple-orange,lemonade or favorite juice blend may be used)
1large orangesliced into thin rounds about 1/8th-inch thick
1large lemonsliced into thin rounds about 1/8th-inch thick
6 to 8cinnamon sticksor 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
one-half inch knob fresh gingeror 2 teaspoons ground ginger
3 to 4tablespoonswhole clovesor 1 teaspoon ground cloves
1teaspoonground nutmeg
1teaspooncardamomoptional
1teaspoonwhite or black whole peppercornsoptional
4 to 8tea bags of chairooibos, or white tea (or a favorite tea; or use loose leaf tea if you have teaballs)
honeystevia, sugar, or sweetener to taste, optional
Citronwine, champagne, Gran Marnier, optional
Instructions
Note - all spices should be added to taste, using more of the flavors you prefer and reducing or omitting those you don't. Using whole spices are easier to remove and strain. Ground spices will not fully dissolve and there will be some spice-sediment in the bottom of your mug. Recipe can be made in two ways; both using the stovetop and without (see last paragraph)
In a large kettle, add all the ingredients other than tea and optional honey/sweetener. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the tea. Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for at least 10 minutes, up to 90 minutes, stirring intermittently so fruit doesn't stick. If simmering for a longer duration, remove the tea bags after an appropriate steeping time and so the bags don't disintegrate. The longer mixture simmers, the more the flavors will develop and enhance, creating a more robust drink with flavors that have married.
Prior to serving, strain or remove whole spices, tea bags, and serve warm. Optionally, sweeten to taste. Or, refrigerate tea and allow it to chill, and serve chilled. Store tea in the refrigerator in jarred container for up to 1 week, reheating gently in the microwave prior to serving if desired.
Alternate timesaver method - If you're in a rush, combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, stir, and allow to stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. Flavors will not develop as much using this method because the heat brings out and unlocks their full potential, but if you're in a hurry, this is an option.
Optionally, serve with a favorite alcohol, either as a mixed drink or as a party punch in a big punch bowl.