Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash Recipe
Liven up your holiday party with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash. Full of warm spice, this cocktail will have you feeling the holiday spirit in no time.
How to Make the Best Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
A Festive Holiday Cocktail
This chai-cranberry bourbon smash is the perfect drink to serve at your holiday gatherings. It combines the warmth of chai spices with tart cranberries and smooth bourbon, creating a sophisticated and seasonal cocktail that your guests will love. The homemade chai simple syrup is the star of the show, infusing each sip with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its balance of flavors. The sweetness of the brown sugar syrup pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the richness of bourbon. The chai spices add a warming complexity that makes this more than just another holiday drink—it’s an experience. Plus, the simple syrup can be made ahead of time, making it easy to batch-prepare cocktails for a party.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by using more or less of the chai simple syrup, or swap in different spirits if bourbon isn’t your preference. You can also prepare the syrup several days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining. Fresh rosemary from your garden adds an extra touch of seasonal elegance and complements the chai spices beautifully.
Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Liven up your holiday party with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash. Full of warm spice, this cocktail will have you feeling the holiday spirit in no time.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup
Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Instructions
Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup
- Combine water, dark brown sugar, and chai tea bag in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to allow the chai flavor to infuse.
- Remove the tea bag and let the syrup cool completely before using.
Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
- Add the cranberries and one rosemary sprig to the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Muddle gently to release the flavors without completely crushing the cranberries.
- Add the bourbon, brown sugar-chai simple syrup, and lime wedges to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.