Quick Answer
Simmer Onyx Gochujang Chai with water and milk for 5–7 minutes, then strain for a balanced spicy chai latte. Adjust sweetness and milk-to-water ratio to your taste.
Why This Chai Needs a Gentle Simmer
Onyx Gochujang Chai blends a high-altitude single estate black tea with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, lemongrass, and Gochugaru (sun-dried Korean red pepper). The dried spices release their oils slowly, so a quick steep won't extract full flavor. A gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—prevents the tea from turning bitter while letting the savory heat develop.
How to Brew Onyx Gochujang Chai
- 1. Measure the chai blend: Use 1 tablespoon of Onyx Gochujang Chai blend per 8 ounces of liquid (half water, half milk). For a stronger brew, increase to 1.5 tablespoons. Using too little blend results in weak spice flavor; using too much can overpower the tea.
- 2. Combine water and chai in a saucepan: Add the measured chai to cold water (not boiling). For one serving, use 4 ounces of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Starting with cold water helps extract the spices evenly. Boiling the water first can make the tea taste harsh.
- 3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it bubble gently for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmering less than 5 minutes leaves the spices under-extracted; longer than 7 minutes can make the tea bitter.
- 4. Add milk and sweetener: Pour in 4 ounces of milk (dairy or plant-based) and your preferred sweetener (honey, sugar, or maple syrup). Stir and simmer for 1–2 more minutes. Oat milk complements the savory heat well, while coconut milk can mute the spice. Taste before adding sweetener—the chai already has natural sweetness from the spices.
- 5. Strain and serve: Pour the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into your favorite mug. Press the solids to extract any remaining liquid. A fine strainer catches all the spice pieces. Skipping this step leaves grit in your cup.
What You'll Need
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Onyx Gochujang Chai: This organic chai uses a base of single estate black tea from Iyerpadi Estate, one of the highest tea estates in the world, and includes Gochugaru for a savory heat. The high-altitude tea base stays smooth during simmering, and the Gochugaru provides a layered warmth that sets this chai apart from standard spiced blends.
Onyx Gochujang Chai
