How to Make Astragalus Bay Chai Latte

Astragalus Bay Chai Latte is a warming herbal drink that offers both physical and spiritual protection. You can make it hot or iced, and it makes for a yummy treat that supports your immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive health. It helps with moving blood, clearing congestion, and increasing digestive fire. It’s a great pick-me-up in the mornings, especially for those who want a less caffeine-loaded alternative to coffee.

I was inspired by Bombay Sandwich’s masala chai, which I would get often on my way to work. As I was testing out different variations of masala chai at home, I added astragalus root and bay leaf. I encourage you to work with whatever you have on hand to make your own blend at home.

And after some experimentation with making espresso and lattes, I learned a way to make frothed milk with a french press. This created whole new possibilities for my drinks at home, so I am sharing this method with you to make this chai latte.

Try it at home and let me know how it goes!

Astragalus Bay Chai Latte

6 parts astragalus 

2 parts ginger

2 parts star anise

1 part cardamom

1 part cinnamon

1 part clove

.5 part black pepper

1 bay leaf

milk* 

1. Mix the herbs together. Grind the cardamom pods with a mortar and pestle to release the seeds before you start making the tea.

2. Make a decoction by measuring out 1 tbsp of the herbs per 1.5 cup room temperature or cold water. Put in a pot under high heat until it boils. Once it boils, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. After the 30 minutes, steep black tea bags (I recommend 1 tea bag per cup of water) in the decoction for 15+ minutes. Adjust the steep time according to your desired tea concentration.

4. Strain out the tea and pour some into a cup 3/4th of the way, leaving the rest of the room for the frothed milk. (Depending on your desired ratio between tea and milk, you can adjust as needed. The tea is pretty strong, so taste as you go to find the right fit for you.)

5. Fill up a small french press about halfway (about 1/4 cup for 1 cup of chai latte) with milk and microwave for 1 min.

6. Remove from the microwave and pump the milk with the french press filter twice from top to bottom, and then for about 15-20 times from the top of the milk surface to the bottom of the filter. To avoid creating large foam bubbles, remember not to lift the filter all the way up to the top of the filter for the 2nd part of frothing.

7. Pour the frothed milk into a small pitcher. Tap it lightly on the table to release any large bubbles to the surface. Swirl the jug to mix the froth as evenly as possible.

8. Pour the frothed milk onto the tea from a few inches above the tea’s surface. As you reach the top of the cup, tilt the cup closer to the jug to pour the remaining foam on the top. 

*If plant-based, make sure you get one that froths well. Look for “barista”-style milk.

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