Recipe 1:

To a pot of boiling water, add:

• 2 star anise, ground
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 pinch cloves
• 1 pinch chopped cinnamon
• 3-5 teaspoons of strong black tea
• 1/2 cup of sugar

Steep until lukewarm, strain, pour over ice, top with half and half.

Recipe 2:

Another recipe with perhaps a more authentic variation (?):

• 1 gallon water
• 8 Chinese star anise, ground
• 1 tablespoon orange flowers
• 1 tablespoon powdered vanilla
• 1 pinch of clove powder
• 1 pinch chopped cinnamon
• 3/4 quart long cut China black tea leaves
• 1 to 2 cups sugar
• 1 quart half & half
• red food coloring
• crushed ice

For stronger tea:

Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Add water to balance and let simmer for additional 1 hour. Add water once again and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Strain, cool and serve as per above method.

For more traditional tea:

Substitute coconut milk for half and half.