Description
Warm, comforting spiced milk infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for a cozy night.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk (for the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup, agave, or your preferred sweetener, adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (a little goes a long way!)
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, extra cinnamon, star anise, orange zest
Instructions
- Combine the Milk and Spices: In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Add the cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cardamom (if using), ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Infuse with Vanilla: If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. If using vanilla extract, hold off on adding it until the end.
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat the milk gently, avoiding a boil to prevent scalding. Aim for a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Infuse: Let the milk simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for a more intense flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute the spices.
- Sweeten to Taste: After simmering, remove from heat. Stir in honey (or your chosen sweetener) until dissolved. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to your preference.
- Strain (Optional): For a smooth spiced milk, strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean pod, and spice particles.
- Add Vanilla Extract (If Using): If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately or reheat gently over low heat, avoiding boiling.
- Froth (Optional): For an extra touch, froth the spiced milk before serving using a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, star anise, or orange zest.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Non-Dairy Option: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spices to your liking.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your personal preference.
- Make it Boozy: Add a splash of your favorite liquor for an adult version.
- Cold Spiced Milk: Enjoy it cold by refrigerating it for at least 2 hours and serving it over ice.
- Spiced Milk Concentrate: Simmer the milk and spices for a longer period of time until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Slow Cooker Spiced Milk: Combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Instant Pot Spiced Milk: Combine all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
- Add Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the spiced milk while it’s simmering for a decadent twist.
- Use Fresh Spices: Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to overheat the milk, as this can cause it to scald and develop an unpleasant flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover spiced milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes