Chai Old Fashioned Recipe
When you need a cozy cocktail, look no further than this chai old fashioned! Made with a brown sugar-chai simple syrup and citrusy bitters, this bourbon cocktail is the perfect sipper for those chilly nights by the fire.
How to Make the Best Chai Old Fashioned
The Perfect Cozy Cocktail
There’s nothing quite like curling up by a warm fire with a sophisticated, spiced cocktail in hand. This chai old fashioned combines the comforting warmth of chai tea with classic bourbon cocktail flavors, creating a drink that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying on chilly nights.
Why Make a Chai Old Fashioned?
The chai old fashioned is the perfect bridge between your favorite tea and your favorite cocktail. The aromatic chai spices—cinnamon, clove, cardamom—complement the bold, smooth notes of bourbon in ways that traditional old fashioneds simply can’t match. The citrusy orange bitters and garnish of fresh citrus peel add brightness that cuts through the richness, making this an incredibly well-balanced sipper.
The Secret: Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup
The key to this recipe is the homemade brown sugar-chai simple syrup. This isn’t just a sweetener—it’s a flavor foundation that infuses the entire drink with warm spice notes. Making your own syrup takes just minutes and completely elevates this cocktail above anything you could order at a bar. The syrup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch and enjoy chai old fashioneds whenever the mood strikes.
Tips for the Perfect Pour
Start by making your simple syrup ahead of time so it’s completely cooled. Use a large single ice cube if possible—it melts more slowly than regular ice and keeps your drink at the perfect temperature longer. The garnish trio of orange peel, cherry, and cinnamon stick isn’t just decorative; each element adds its own subtle flavor note that you’ll taste in every sip. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or creating a cozy night in, this chai old fashioned delivers sophistication with every pour.
Chai Old Fashioned
When you need a cozy cocktail, look no further than this chai old fashioned! Made with a brown sugar-chai simple syrup and citrusy bitters, this bourbon cocktail is the perfect sipper for those chilly nights by the fire.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup
Chai Old Fashioned
Instructions
Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup
- Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add the chai tea bag and brown sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bag and let syrup cool completely before using.
Chai Old Fashioned
- Add the chai simple syrup and orange bitters to a rocks glass.
- Place the large ice cube in the glass.
- Pour 2 ounces of bourbon over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange peel slice, Luxardo cherry, and cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The brown sugar-chai simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Substitute regular ice cubes if a large ice cube is unavailable.
- For a stronger chai flavor, use 2 tea bags instead of 1.
- This cocktail pairs perfectly with a cozy evening by the fire.