Description
This comforting Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate combines the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise with creamy white chocolate for a luxurious and cozy drink perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Liquid Base
- 2 thin slices of fresh ginger
- 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 2-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 cup water
Dairy and Sweeteners
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Infuse Spices: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh ginger slices, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, star anise, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to fully extract the flavors from the spices.
- Add Sweetness: Stir in the packed brown sugar and whisk continuously until it is completely dissolved into the spiced water, creating a flavorful base.
- Heat the Milk: Lower the heat to low and pour in the milk. Warm the milk in the saucepan for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to incorporate with the spiced water without boiling.
- Melt White Chocolate: Add the white chocolate chips and whisk continuously until they melt smoothly into the milk, forming a creamy, velvety hot chocolate. Heat the drink to your preferred temperature but avoid boiling.
- Remove Spices and Serve: Strain out all the spices from the saucepan, reserving the cinnamon stick and star anise if desired for garnish. Pour the hot chocolate into cups and sprinkle with cinnamon before serving immediately for a fragrant, indulgent treat.
Notes
- Do not let the hot chocolate boil after adding milk and white chocolate, as it may affect the texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Keeping some whole spices for garnish enhances the presentation and aroma when serving.
- Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth if you prefer a completely smooth beverage without spice bits.
