Chocolate Chai Tea

A wonderfully sweet chocolate chai. Makes your tea a little more exciting. Note: I especially like alwalde's suggestion to cut back on the milk. Please take that change into consideration when preparing.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 2  tea bags, black
• 1⁄4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons (6 tablespoons total)
• 1⁄4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4  cups milk
• 1⁄2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•  couple grains salt
•  whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.
2. Stir in sugar and cocoa. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add milk, vanilla, spices and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Strain, if desired. Pour into warm mugs. Garnish each with whipping cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.