Masala Chai Syrup

Step 1

Begin by putting the sugar and water into a small saucepan and place on a medium heat to dissolve the sugar

Step 2

Meanwhile prepare the spices - snap the cinnamon stick in half and then hit it several times in a pestle and mortar to break it up a little more (don't grind it). Tip the chunks of cinnamon into a small bowl

Step 3

Next split the cardamom pods (a swift whack with the pestle should do the trick). Add the split pods and seeds to the cinnamon

Step 4

Put the cloves, nutmeg and allspice berries into the mortar and give them a gentle bash with the pestle. Again, do not grind to a powder

Step 5

Once the sugar has dissolved, tip the dry spices, including the star anise, along with the slithers of fresh ginger into the pan and bring to the boil, then remove the pan from the heat

Step 6

Let steep for 2 hours then strain to remove the chunks of spices

Step 7

Stir through the vanilla extract and pour into a bottle

Step 8

Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks