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Maple Orange Chai Mocktail (Warm, Spiced, Caffeine-Free) - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Rooibos or herbal chai tea (bags or loose leaf)
  • Orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • Orange zest (from 1 orange)
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Whole cloves
  • Cardamom pods (lightly crushed) or ground cardamom
  • Star anise (optional, for a licorice note)
  • Fresh ginger (a few slices) or ground ginger
  • Water
  • Pinch of salt (to round the sweetness)
  • Optional garnish: orange slice, cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Warm the base: In a small pot, add 2 cups water, cinnamon stick, 3–4 whole cloves, 2–3 lightly crushed cardamom pods, 1–2 slices fresh ginger, and 1 star anise (optional). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Steep the tea: Add 2 rooibos or herbal chai tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf in a strainer). Reduce heat and steep for 5–7 minutes, keeping it just below a boil.
  • Add citrus and sweetness: Remove tea bags. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt.
  • Heat gently: Warm for 2–3 more minutes on low. Do not boil after adding orange juice—this keeps the flavor fresh and bright.
  • Taste and adjust: Add more maple if you prefer sweeter, more orange juice for brightness, or a splash of water if it’s too bold.
  • Strain and serve: Strain into mugs to remove spices. Garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, or a light sprinkle of grated nutmeg.