In a small saucepan, combine the water and all the spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting the spices release their fragrant oils for about 5 minutes.

Tip: Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling over; the aroma will be worth the attention!

Add the loose black tea or tea bags to the saucepan, simmering for another 5 minutes. The tea should develop a deep, rich color.

Tip: For a stronger chai flavor, let the tea steep a bit longer but be wary of bitterness.

In a separate saucepan, heat your milk over low heat, whisking gently until warm but not boiling. Alternatively, froth the milk using a milk frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar before heating.

Tip: Experiment with the milk frother to create a lovely layer of foam atop your latte.

Strain the spiced tea into a clean mug, sweetening it with honey or sugar as preferred. Pour the frothed milk over the top, swirling it for a lovely presentation.