Ingredients
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4 1/2 cups water
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1 stick cinnamon
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1 (3 inch) fresh ginger, chopped
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7 whole cardamom pods, crushed
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2 whole star anise pods, crushed
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5 whole cloves
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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10 regular-size bags black tea (or 10 teaspoons loose tea is best) or 10 green tea (or 10 teaspoons loose tea is best)
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1/2-2/3 cup brown sugar (to taste)
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon vanilla
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1 teaspoon peppercorn
Instructions
- Prepare the spices and the tea; set aside. Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the spices and the tea bags then allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture into a 4-cup glass measuring cup or large bowl, discarding the spices. Add the sugar, honey and the vanilla and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the mixture into a jar and store in the refrigerator.
- To serve, mix 1 part concentrate with 1 part milk or half-and-half. Heat for a warm beverage or pour over ice to enjoy cold.