Christmas Countdown: 5 Days to Go!

We’re down to Christmas crunch-time, and with just under a week to go, DIY gift ideas that didn’t seem overly ambitious a month ago will now have to wait until next year. But one imbibe-worthy gift that’s a cinch to pull together is homemade Masala chai mix. This recipe from Jesse Jacobs, owner of Samovar Tea in San Francisco, adds in the unexpected but delicious elements of saffron and licorice root. Double or triple the recipe as needed, scoop into a decorative tin with brewing instructions and voilà!