Chocolate Chai Tea

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

1 cup water
2 tea bags, black
1/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons (6 tablespoons total)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups milk
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
couple grains salt
whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1 In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.

2 Stir in sugar and cocoa. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add milk, vanilla, spices and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Strain, if desired. Pour into warm mugs. Garnish each with whipping cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.