2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
3/4 cup sugar + extra, if required
3 tablespoons strong black loose leaf tea (see recipe notes)
1 inch piece of ginger, sliced

For the chai spice mix:
1 teaspoon green cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
3 inch piece of cinnamon or 1 tablespoon cassia bark
1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole black pepper
1 star anise