Ingredients
- 1 gallon (3 3/4 liters) water
- 1 quart (950ml) Half & Half, evaporated milk, rice milk, or coconut milk
- 3/4 quart (700ml) long-cut China black tea leaves
- 8 ground Chinese star anise
- 1 tablespoon powdered vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange flowers
- Pinch of freshly ground cinnamon
- Pinch of clove powder
- 1 or 2 cups (225g - 450g) sugar (optional)
- Red food coloring or beet powder (natural coloring) (both optional)
- Crushed ice, to serve
Method
- First bring the water to a boil, then add the star anise, vanilla, orange flowers, cinnamon and clove powder, along with the tea leaves and food coloring (if using).
- Boil for a further 3 to 5 minutes, stirring all the time, then take it off the heat.
- Cover the pot and let it steep until lukewarm, then strain and add sugar if liked.
- Serve over crushed ice, topped with Half & Half or your favorite type of milk preferred.