In a large pot, place water and all ingredients except for tea bags and sweetener. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat with lid mostly covered. Cook for 1 hour, then turn off stove. Let chai sit for 3-4 hours, or longer for a stronger brew.
Before serving, bring chai to a boil, then reduce heat to low heat. Add tea bags, sweetener to taste, and milk of choice. Stir gently and turn off heat. Serve warm.
Or let cool and refrigerate in sealed container. You can also serve this cold.
Notes: Although honey is a common sweetener used in chai, you can use brown sugar or other sweetener like agave. Instead of cow milk, use a non-dairy alternative such as soymilk, rice milk, hazelnut milk, or another non-dairy milk of choice. also, you can enjoy this chai without any milk at all.

Approximately:
12 cups filtered water
3 pieces cinnamon sticks, finger-length
6 pieces of fresh ginger, 1/4-inch or 1/2-cm slice
1/4 cup whole cardamon pods
1 tablespoon whole cloves
3 individual tea bags, red bush tea or black tea
sweetener of choice, to taste
optional:
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
Soy / Nut milk of choice