Chai tea blends with citrus, maple syrup, and sparkling water for a cozy, refreshing autumn beverage.
# Components:
→ Chai Base
01 - 1 cup water
02 - 2 chai tea bags
03 - 1 cinnamon stick
04 - 2 whole cloves
05 - 2 thin slices fresh ginger
→ Sweetener & Citrus
06 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
→ To Finish
09 - 1 cup chilled sparkling water
10 - Ice cubes
→ Garnish (optional)
11 - Orange slices
12 - Cinnamon sticks
13 - Star anise
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan, bring water to a simmer and add chai tea bags, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse.
02 - Remove from heat. Discard tea bags, spices, and ginger slices. Let the chai concentrate cool slightly.
03 - Stir maple syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice into the warm chai concentrate.
04 - Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Divide the prepared chai mixture evenly between both glasses.
05 - Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently until fully combined.
06 - Garnish each drink with orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or star anise as desired. Serve immediately.
