4 cups water
4 black tea bags or 4 tablespoons loose black tea
2 cups milk or milk alternative
1/2 cup sugar or sweetener, to taste
1 cinnamon stick
6 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
6 whole cloves
6 black peppercorns
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 star anise, optional
Combine water, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and star anise in a saucepan
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 to 15 minutes
Add tea bags or loose tea and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes
Stir in sugar until dissolved
Add milk and heat until just steaming, not boiling
Strain the mixture into a container
Cool and refrigerate
Use 1 part concentrate with 1 part milk or water, or adjust to taste