Earl of Chai (Another Hot Drink From the Slow Cooker)

Cup of Earl Chai, MuffinDaytime temperatures have reached (scarily) into the upper 70s and lower 80s here, turning my cooking thoughts to cool salads, quick sandwiches and juices – ways to avoid turning on the oven.  (If this is March, what will July be like??)  Yet, even in deepest summer, I like to have a hot drink in the late afternoon – for the ritual and for taking a few relaxed minutes to sit and sip.

This drink was inspired by the Maple Pumpkin Latte I made not too long ago.  I decided to try making one of my favorite hot beverages in my trusty little crock-pot: chai.  All of the ingredients went in and in a couple of hours on Warm (my slow cooker runs hot), afternoon tea was ready.  Here’s how I did it:

Earl of Chai Tea
Serves 2

2 cups water
1 cup soy milk
1 Earl Gray teabag (string cut off)
2 black tea bags (strings cut off)
1 star anise
5-6 peppercorns
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
6-8 whole cloves
6 or so cardamom pods, smashed a bit
couple of packets of Truvia (crystallized stevia) or your favorite sweetener

Put everything into the slow cooker, set it to low (or warm) and forget about it for a few hours.  When ready to serve, remove the tea bags, and either scoop out the peppercorns and seeds with a strainer spoon, or pour the chai through a strainer over a big measuring cup.

Chai Ingredients

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28 thoughts on “Earl of Chai (Another Hot Drink From the Slow Cooker)

  1. S. says:

    Yum! Chai! My favorite :) -XO

  2. infinebalance says:

    I love my slowcooker but I have never used it for making a hot tea. I have to try this. Yumm…

  3. Rachel in Veganland says:

    wow! looks delicious! I never thought of putting a beverage in the slow cooker but what a grand idea! And what was that tasty looking treat in the background?!

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      Nice spot, Rachel :-) – that’s a chocolate chocolate chip (mashed) potato muffin. I know – potato sounds weird, but it gives the muffin a wonderful texture.

  4. trueindigo says:

    My daughter-in-law is coming this weekend and we LOVE sharing a cup of tea together in the morning. We usually sip chai together and I think this will be a nice surprise twist for her! Thanks for the great idea!

  5. Shira says:

    I love chai and should make it at home more often…working in the coffee biz spoils me as I can have one anytime…..but there is something about it simmering from scratch that is so marvelous! The smells are enough..! :)

  6. Veggiewitch says:

    I’m in love with Chai, and this sounds wonderful! I’ve got to try it! =0)

  7. tearoomdelights says:

    I love chai and I love the fact that you take time for your afternoon tea!

  8. 40 Fit In The Mitt says:

    what a beautiful recipe

  9. tinykitchenstories says:

    I would love to drink more chai, but I never make it for myself and I find when I get it in a shop it’s too strong. Although the smells I’m imagining from yours are intoxicating!

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      Right – I find the same thing about buying it. Waaaay too much spice. This is (I think) the right balance of warm spices and creaminess.

  10. Gabby @ the veggie nook says:

    I try and do the same thing! Afternoon tea everyday, in fact, I am having one right now! I’ve never made it in a slow cooker before, cool!

  11. A Tablespoon of Liz says:

    This is such an awesome idea… I would have never thought to make drinks in a slow cooker!

  12. Richgail Enriquez says:

    I’ve never had Chai tea since I went vegan, I’m definitely eager to try your recipe so I can have my much awaited fix. Thanks!

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      Maybe my taste buds have adapted, but I think it’s every bit as creamy and good as I remember the dairy version being.

  13. emmycooks says:

    I love the idea of using the crock pot for serving warm drinks at a brunch or tea party, I don’t know why I haven’t thought of that! Admittedly it’s not the same as a tea pot in a tea cozy, but SO much less work!

  14. Cauldrons and Cupcakes says:

    I’m a chai nut, and I’m thrilled at the idea of using a slow cooker for a big brew. Perfect!

  15. Alice Camerlingo says:

    HI there!

    This sounds good but…in the ingredients you mention 1 bag of tea whereas in the picture I see 3….is there an error in the list or the picture? Thank you!

  16. Alice Camerlingo says:

    Oh gee sorry! I just saw the other two bags being black tea… sorry I went too fast !!!! Great recipe!

  17. [...] One year ago today: Best Friends Forever: Soup & A Sandwich One year and one day ago today: Earl of Chai: Another Drink from the Slow Cooker [...]

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