Ever felt a pang for a spiced and fermented drink? If yes, then this chai spiced latte Kombucha recipe is a must-try. It is inspired by the classic Indian favorite chai latte and offers an assertive flavor that can warm you up from the inside out especially during the cold seasons. It is also packed with functional health benefits making it one of the best fermented and spiced refreshments.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Cloves
Cloves are known to contain fiber, vitamin K, and manganese. Using cloves as a flavoring doesn’t just add depth and savor to food but also protects the body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Cloves can also help maintain brain function, build strong bones, and kill harmful bacteria. Moreover, they are known to improve liver health and help regulate blood sugar. They have even shown potential in reducing cancer cell growth and reducing stomach ulcers.
All Spice
Allspice is a powerful ingredient that can reduce inflammation and ease the pain in the body. It can also aid in digestion and may help treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Allspice may protect against free radical damage too, as well as boost blood circulation, and maintain heart health. In addition, it is popular for its germ-fighting properties and immunity-boosting benefits.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, improve insulin sensitivity, and protect brain neurons. It has also shown anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, it can reduce infections, maintain dental health, and help fight HIV.
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful medicinal plant that can help reduce free radical damage to your cells and help in weight loss. It is also known for treating various diseases like nausea, indigestion, menstrual pain, and even cancer. Apart from that, ginger has also shown positive effects in managing symptoms of osteoarthritis, improving brain function, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Vanilla
Vanilla contains vanillin which is popular for its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Incorporating vanilla into your food and beverages may help protect against cell damage, and prevent inflammation that could lead to chronic diseases. Vanilla may also benefit brain health and reduce sugar intake.
How To Make Chai Spiced Latte Kombucha
This chai spiced latte Kombucha recipe takes inspiration from the classic Indian favorite chai latte. Although it doesn’t combine chai latte and Kombucha, it uses the same spices that are typically used in chai which are cloves, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. In addition to that, you will need Kombucha that has finished its first fermentation.
Kombucha is a healthy fermented beverage that undergoes two fermentation processes namely the first fermentation (F1) and second fermentation (F2). F1 is the fermentation process for making Kombucha. During this fermentation process, the SCOBY converts the sweet tea to Kombucha. Depending on the taste, F1 time can take more than 10 days. Essentially, the longer you ferment the Kombucha, the stronger the taste becomes.
Following F1, Kombucha undergoes F2 for flavoring and carbonation. Generally, doing F2 at home is relatively easy but there are some things that you have to pay attention to such as the temperature, fermentation time, and more. If you are not yet familiar with F2, you may check this post for the complete guide.
Chai Spiced Latte Kombucha Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Homebrewing kit This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Heating mat This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Boochsleeve This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Bottlebrush kit To clean your bottles
- 6 Bottles (16 oz.) or 2 Growlers (½ gallon)
- 1 Funnel For the 2nd fermentation process
- 1 Mesh strain colander For the 2nd fermentation process
- 1 PBW cleaner To clean your bottles
Ingredients
- 1 gal 1-gallon Kombucha
- 6 Whole cloves ($0.94 per oz.)
- 6 Allspice berries ($2 per oz.)
- 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder ($0.51 per oz.)
- 3 tbsp Freshly grated ginger ($7.95 per lb.)
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ($4.99 per fl oz.)
Instructions
- Clean your bottles Dilute the PBW cleaner according to the productinstructions. Next, take your bottlebrush kit then scrub your fermentationbottles with your diluted cleaner. Finally, rinse the bottles and let thebottles dry before adding any ingredients.
- Prepare your ingredients Mix all your dry spices in a small bowl and divide the spicemix into six portions. The vanilla and ginger will be added later when thespices are already in the bottle. Since we are using 1 ½ tsp vanilla and 3tbsp. of ginger in this recipe, one portion of these ingredients should beequal to ¼ tsp. and ½ tbsp respectively.
- Add one portion of flavoring into each bottleUsing a funnel, add one portion of your mixed spiceflavoring to each bottle before adding the vanilla and grated ginger.
- Fill the bottles with Kombucha liquid Slowly pour the Kombucha liquid into the bottles whilemaking sure that you leave about ½ to 1 inch of headspace to achieve goodc arbonation. If you want, you may opt to strain the excess yeast of theKombucha liquid using a mesh strain colander or a smaller sieve beforebottling. After filling the bottles, slightly shake the Kombucha toincorporate the ingredients. At last, set aside the remaining Kombucha liquidand use it as a starter tea for your next Kombucha batches.
- Ferment Shut your bottles completely making sure that there are noopenings where carbon dioxide can escape. Allow the Kombucha to ferment in afermentation station that has room temperature between 60℉to 85℉.If you are fermenting your Kombucha in a relatively cold place, you may use aheating mat to keep the temperature warm. Fermentation may take from 3 to 14 days depending on thecarbonation and your preferred taste. Take note that the longer you let yourKombucha ferment, the stronger it will taste.
- Store your finished Kombucha in the refrigerator Start tasting your Kombucha after three days offermentation. If the taste is already strong enough for you, keep the bottledKombuchas in the refrigerator. The cold temperature in the refrigerator inhibitsfermentation and preserves the taste.
- Serve and enjoy Bottled Kombuchas tend to have floating residues from theyeast and the flavorings used. These residues are safe to eat but if you feeluncomfortable drinking them, you may strain the Kombucha liquid first beforeserving.
How to level up the taste
This chai spiced latte Kombucha recipe offers a bold taste that can be overwhelming for some. Hence, adding some fruity and sweet flavors is a great way to balance the spice and give this drink a more appealing savor. Some fruits that pair well with the spice mix in this recipe are pineapple, apple, and orange. You can opt to slice, juice, or puree the fruits that you want to add to this recipe. Add the fruits to the Kombucha bottles and ferment for 3 days and more.
Another great way to make this drink extra appealing is by serving it with maple syrup. This gives chai spiced latte Kombucha a balance of sweet, spicy, and tart.
Featured Product
GT’s classic Kombucha Third Eye Chai features an irresistible blend of chai spices. Not only does it contain gut-loving bacteria, but is also low in calories. However, before you buy this drink, take note that it contains an ABV of 0.5%+ so it’s only recommended for people who are older than 21 years old
Organic Brew Dr. Kombucha Chai Apple is made with chai spices and dried apples. It has a unique cider-like taste and claims to give you apple pie in a bottle. It is also filled with good bacteria for the gut and doesn’t contain artificial juices.
