chai latte recipe

2 cups water - 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea) - 1 cinnamon stick - 4-5 cardamom pods, slightly crushed - 4 whole cloves - 1 star anise (optional) - 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced) - 1 teaspoon black peppercorns - 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)