Zero Waste After Dark, Part I.

Still up?

Here’s a hot and delicious drink for you late night studiers, graveyard shifters, new parents and insomniacs out there. (On second thought, if you have insomnia, don’t drink this. Try chamomile).

Chai always reminds me of fall weather in New England, crisp colorful leaves and the rich aroma of spices coming from every cafe.

Here is my favorite recipe that keeps me focused and tastes like a nice warm hug:

Dirty Chai

Ingredients:

3 cups water
3 cups almond, flax, or soy milk
1 tablespoon black tea leaves
1⁄2 cup raw honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Make it dirty:

1 shot of espresso.

Directions:

Steep the tea leaves in boiling water for about 5-8 minutes in a cooking pot. With a fork, mash the ginger and add to the pot with the rest of the spices, milk, and honey. Bring back to a boil, turn off stove and steep, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Strain before serving. (Optional: add espresso last)

You can also find chai blends pre-mixed in many loose leaf tea aisles: