Chai-spiced Winter Solstice Mocktail

Allergens

None

Ingredients

• 4 cups almond milk 2 cinnamon sticks 4 cardamom pods, crushed 1 star anise 2 whole cloves 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine almond milk, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, and cloves. Heat over low heat until steam rises from the surface, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard the solids. Add sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract to the strained milk. Heat over low heat until sugar dissolves completely.
3. Pour half of the spiced almond milk into a blender, add chocolate syrup, and blend until smooth.
4. To serve, pour spiced almond milk into glasses and top with the chocolate spice blend. Stir gently to combine.

Chef’s Insight

This mocktail captures the essence of winter warmth and indulgence, perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family.

Notes

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.