Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often prep it in the morning before the girls wake up, then finish it right before dinner. Store the spiced water in the fridge and add tea and milk when you reheat. It keeps flavor fresh and saves time.

Can I skip the smoky black tea?

Absolutely. If you prefer no smoke, use a strong Assam or an English Breakfast. The spice blend still gives the cup warmth and character. The smoke is a choice, not a requirement.

How can I make it dairy free and creamy?

Oat milk is my top pick for creaminess. It has body and a neutral flavor that harmonizes with spices. Barista blends of oat milk work best for texture.

Is the star anise necessary?

No. Star anise is optional. It adds a licorice note that some people adore. If you are serving kids or anyone who does not like licorice flavors, skip it.

What if I only have ground spices?

You can use them in a pinch. Use about one third the amount of ground spice compared to whole spice. Ground spices intensify quickly, so add them toward the end of the simmer and taste frequently.

Easy Smoky Spiced Tea in 15 min

Name: Smoky Spiced Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 tsp loose-leaf smoky black tea, or 2 tea bags; 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 4-5 black peppercorns; 3 whole cloves; 3 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed; 1 cinnamon stick; 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste); 1 star anise (optional)

Description

A comforting tea made with smoky black tea and aromatic spices, perfect for busy families to unwind together.

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tsp loose-leaf smoky black tea, or 2 tea bags
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
4-5 black peppercorns
3 whole cloves
3 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 star anise (optional)

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Instructions

In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the black peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick (plus star anise, if using). Let the spices simmer for about 5 minutes to release their flavors.
After the spices have simmered, add the smoky black tea to the pot and let it steep for 3-4 minutes, depending on how strong you want the smoky flavor.
Stir in the milk and brown sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea into mugs to remove the spices and tea leaves. Enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast spices briefly before simmering. Adjust the smoky tea amount to taste, and use fresh whole spices for best results.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Fusion