As a bartender, I have come to appreciate the versatility of chai tea. Not only is it a delicious and comforting beverage on its own, but it can also be used as a base for cocktails.
Chai tea is a blend of black tea, spices, and herbs that originated in India and has become popular all over the world. Its unique flavor profile makes it a perfect ingredient for creating cocktails that are both refreshing and complex.
Chai tea is a great addition to cocktails because it adds a depth of flavor that can't be found in other ingredients. The spices in chai tea, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, give the cocktails a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for fall and winter.
Chai tea can also be used to add a touch of sweetness to cocktails, which can be especially helpful when trying to balance out other strong flavors.
There are countless ways to use chai tea in cocktails, and each recipe can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer your cocktails sweet or spicy, there is a chai cocktail recipe out there for you.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best chai cocktail recipes I have come across in my time as a bartender. From classic chai tea lattes to more complex cocktails, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and warm you up on a cold night. So, grab a cup of chai tea and let's get started!
1. Chai Spice Cocktail
The Chai Spice Cocktail is a perfect blend of chai tea, dark rum, and maple liqueur. It is a great way to kick off the holiday season with its warm and flavourful mix. This cocktail is a perfect treat to make you feel giddy this holiday season. It is like the “happy hour” version of your favourite chai tea latte.
The cinnamon sticks add an extra WOW factor to the drink. The Chai Spice Cocktail is best served in a coupe glass to make it feel a bit more fancy. If you are looking for a line-up of great homemade beverages this holiday season, this cocktail is a must-try.
2. Chai Latte Martini
The Chai Latte Martini is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves the warming and comforting flavors of chai spice. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a smooth texture that makes it perfect for sipping during the autumn and winter months.
The recipe uses a blend of chai spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, which infuse the milky tea drink with a cozy aroma and flavor. The addition of vanilla vodka transforms the milky drink into a delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. If you're a fan of chai spice, you won't want to miss out on this delightful cocktail.
3. Spiked Chai Cocktail
The Spiked Chai Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good tea cocktail. Created by Dan O'Regan, a runner-up at the UK Barista Championship of 2018, this cocktail is a perfect blend of chai tea and alcohol. The process of clarifying the cocktail is interesting, and the end result is a dreamy, creamy drink that is perfect for any occasion.
The sugary addition to this cocktail is just right, and the fanciness of the glasses adds to the overall experience. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to try, the Spiked Chai Cocktail is definitely worth a shot. Stay tuned for more cocktail recipes from Fred, who has been having the time of her life mixing and stirring up new drinks.
4. Chai Bourbon Cocktail
The Chai Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm and cozy drink during the colder months. Made with high-quality bourbon and homemade chai simple syrup, this cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The cinnamon-sugar rim adds an extra touch of warmth to the drink, making it the perfect addition to any holiday party or cozy night in.
The smooth and easy-to-drink nature of this cocktail makes it a great option for those who are new to mixed bourbon drinks. Overall, the Chai Bourbon Cocktail is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is sure to impress your guests and warm you up on a cold winter night.
5. Chai Old-Fashioned Cocktail
The Chai Old-Fashioned Cocktail is a perfect drink for fall and winter nights. Made with chai tea ice cubes and cardamom bitters, the flavors infuse slowly as the ice melts into the whiskey, creating a unique and delicious taste.
The orange peel and spice garnish add a lovely touch to this cocktail. If you're a fan of chai, you'll definitely want to try this cocktail. It's perfect for a cozy night in or as a nightcap after a big meal. Don't miss out on this flavorful and warming cocktail.
6. Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail
The Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail is a sweet and creamy holiday drink that is perfect for those cold December nights. This dessert-style cocktail is made with homemade spiced vanilla chai and honey simple syrup, mixed with vodka, Kahlúa, an extra shot of espresso, and a bit of molasses. A shot of coconut milk adds a creamy touch to the drink.
The cinnamon-rimmed glass creates a magical Christmas mood, making it a perfect cocktail to enjoy while watching holiday movies. The recipe also includes mocktail and punch variations for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves chai and wants to add a festive touch to their holiday drinks.
7. Chai Old Fashioned
The Chai Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for those who love the classic Old Fashioned but want to add a twist to it. This cocktail is a blend of warm spices, orange, and ginger, making it perfect for the holiday season. The bourbon adds a boozy kick to the drink, making it perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.
Don't let the chai deter you, even if you aren't a fan of chai lattes, this chai bourbon cocktail may surprise you. The cinnamon and star anise garnish adds a nice touch to the cocktail, making it visually appealing as well. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try this holiday season, the Chai Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
8. Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian
The Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian is a perfect blend of warm and cozy flavors, making it an ideal holiday drink for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This creamy cocktail is a twist on the classic White Russian, with the addition of a heavily concentrated chai tea simple syrup, sweetened with honey and infused with vanilla.
The combination of vodka, coffee liquor, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor, while the chai spices add a touch of warmth and comfort. This cocktail is perfect for sipping after a Thanksgiving feast or as a brunch cocktail. The Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and unique Chai Cocktail recipe.
9. Dirty Chai Cocktail
The Dirty Chai Cocktail is a unique and exciting twist on the classic chai tea. This cocktail combines the rich and warm flavors of chai with the smooth and bold taste of rum, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's a perfect choice for those who love their afternoon coffee break with an adult twist.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be whipped up in no time, making it a great choice for a cozy night in or a fun get-together with friends. With its unique blend of flavors and smooth finish, the Dirty Chai Cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
10. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a cozy and unique cocktail perfect for fall and winter. Made with homemade spiced chai simple syrup, high-quality bourbon, a touch of vanilla, and winter citrus, this drink has a perfect balance of flavors.
The fizzy sparkling water adds a refreshing touch, making it a perfect cozy drink for cold nights. The cocktail is easy to make, and the syrup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
11. Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
The Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for fall. This cocktail combines the flavors of local apple cider and homemade chai syrup to create a refreshing and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed as a cocktail or a mocktail.
The recipe is simple and easy to make, making it a great choice for entertaining or just enjoying a relaxing evening at home. Whether you prefer your cocktail chilled or warmed up, this drink is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of fall. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious this Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail can be?
12. Rum Masala Chai
If you're a fan of chai tea, then you'll love the Rum Masala Chai cocktail. This delightful drink takes the classic spiced tea to a whole new level by adding a hint of rum to the mix. The combination of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices like anise, cinnamon, and ginger creates a warm and comforting flavor profile that's perfect for chilly evenings.
The rum adds a boozy kick that elevates the drink to new heights, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail. Whether you're a fan of traditional masala chai or just looking for a unique and flavorful drink, the Rum Masala Chai cocktail is definitely worth trying.
13. Masala Chai Martini
The Masala Chai Martini is a perfect cocktail for fall and winter seasons. This elegant drink is made with only three ingredients: cold masala chai, vodka, and orange liqueur. The black tea with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom provides a gentle boost of caffeine.
Vodka's flavor won't overpower the spices, and orange liqueur's sweetness balances the tartness of the black tea. The cocktail is easy to make and perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, cocktail parties, or brunch. The Masala Chai Martini is a must-try for chai lovers who want to enjoy their favorite tea in a new and exciting way.
14. Chai Spiced White Russians
The Chai Spiced White Russian is a delicious twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. Infusing Hanger 1 Straight Vodka with chai tea bags adds a unique and delightful flavor to the traditional White Russian.
The addition of coffee-flavored liqueur and half-and-half creates a creamy and indulgent cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. The garnish of cinnamon sticks and star anise adds a festive touch to this already delightful cocktail.
15. Chai Tea Cocktail
The Chai Tea Cocktail is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail. This recipe combines the warm and comforting flavors of chai tea with the boldness of a cocktail. The blend of spices in the chai tea creates a complex and rich flavor profile that is perfectly complemented by the addition of alcohol.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and different, while still enjoying the familiar flavors of chai tea. It's a great choice for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. Don't miss out on this delicious and intriguing cocktail!
16. Chai White Russian
The Chai White Russian is a twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, made with homemade Chai Liqueur, vodka, and cream. It's a creamy and delicious blend of sweetened chai spiced black tea and alcohol.
The caffeine from the chai tea makes it perfect for sipping throughout the night, and it's sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseurs.
17. Afternoon Tea
"Afternoon Tea" is a Chai Cocktail that combines Michter’s Straight Rye Whiskey and Amontillado Sherry with Chai Syrup, pineapple juice, and bitters.
The Chai Syrup is easy to make, making this cocktail a great option for those who want a delicious drink without spending too much time in the kitchen. Its bold flavors and simplicity make it a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful Chai cocktail.
18. Dirty Chai Martini With Maple and Pink Himalayan Salt
The Dirty Chai Martini with Maple and Pink Himalayan Salt is a unique and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. It is a mix of espresso, chai, unsweetened almond milk, and is lightly sweetened with maple syrup and balanced with a pinch of pink Himalayan salt.
The cocktail is vegan-friendly and creamy, making it a perfect after-dinner drink or pre-party imbibe. This cocktail is a wonderful mix of fall, winter, and holiday flavors and is sure to impress your guests.
19. Chai Bee's Knees
If you're a fan of classic cocktails with a unique twist, then the Chai Bee's Knees is a must-try. This gin-based cocktail features the traditional flavors of honey and lemon, but with the addition of chai spices, it has a distinct and refreshing taste.
Perfect for spring evenings, the Chai Bee's Knees is a great way to enjoy the warming spices of chai while sipping on a delicious cocktail. Whether you're a gin lover or just looking for a new cocktail to try, the Chai Bee's Knees is definitely worth a taste.
20. Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
The Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season. It is made with a brown sugar-chai simple syrup, freshly muddled rosemary, and cranberries. The warm flavors of the chai spice and bourbon blend together beautifully, making it a cozy sipper that's perfect for the winter months.
The addition of ginger ale adds a delightful fizzy kick, making it a perfect cocktail for any festive gathering. The fresh cranberries and rosemary give this cocktail a lovely fragrance and flavor boost, while the real lime wedges add the perfect citrusy touch. Overall, the Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a cozy and festive drink this holiday season.
21. Caramel Spiked Apple Chai Cocktail
The Caramel Spiked Apple Chai Cocktail is a perfect fall drink that will warm you up on a chilly night. This cocktail is a sweet and spicy twist on the classic Chai, with a hint of caramel and apple. It's a perfect after-dinner drink for those who prefer something on the sweeter side.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted to your liking. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to enjoy during the autumn season, then the Caramel Spiked Apple Chai Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
22. Chai Xmas Old Fashioned
The "Chai Xmas Old Fashioned" is a delicious and unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. The recipe includes Spicebox Whisky, which adds a festive spice note to the drink, and KVAS Black Pepper Whisky Cherry, which is a game changer for those who typically don't enjoy cherries in their cocktails.
The Token Calder Chai Bitters also adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and can even be batched and aged in a small barrel for added flair. Overall, the "Chai Xmas Old Fashioned" is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful Chai cocktail.
