Chai Bourbon Cocktail

This chai bourbon cocktail is the perfect cold weather cocktail. The warm chai spices make you want to cozy up with one of these cocktails with a good book by the fire. This would also be an excellent holiday party drink recipe to serve to guests.

My husband and I created this chai cocktail recipe back in those 2020 days when we were stuck at home and wanted to make something special for (yet another) date night in. He’s always been a bourbon guy, and loves it on the rocks. I had learned a year or two prior that I actually really enjoy bourbon too, just mixed into something yummy!

This easy bourbon drink is made with your favorite high-quality bourbon, chai simple syrup, and club soda. We’ve found that you can take your cocktail experience to the next level by adding a cinnamon-sugar rim to your glass too!

I’ve tried this cocktail recipe with a variety of different bourbons, such as cask strength (a stronger flavored variety) and straight bourbons (which tend to be more mellow). While each bourbon gives this Chai Bourbon Cocktail a slightly different taste (because of the bourbon’s unique flavor profile), every cocktail was great.

Ingredients Needed

Bourbon: Using a high quality bourbon is recommended for this cocktail recipe. As there are minimal ingredients, you want to select a bourbon you like as the flavor will shine through. My top recommendations would be: anything from J.Henry & Sons, Makers Mark Cask Strength, and Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. If you have a local distillery near you that makes bourbon, give them a try too!

Chai Simple Syrup: A simple, homemade chai simple syrup is what brings that chai tea flavor to your drink. As simple syrups can stay in your refrigerator for a couple of weeks, I like to keep a bottle at the ready for when the mood strikes.

Club Soda: I like to have small (10oz) bottles of club soda on hand so I do not have to open a large container that will inevitably go flat.

Cinnamon-Sugar: I really love having a cinnamon-sugar rim for this cocktail. It just adds a really nice touch to this drink, so I would recommend taking the time for this extra step!

Cinnamon Stick: For garnish, because every drink needs a little extra flair!

Ice: Used for shaking, making your drink nice and cold.

Cask Strength Bourbon vs. Regular Bourbon

There are different types of bourbon available for purchase, so you may see a bottle labeled ‘cask strength’ or ‘barrel proof’. Cask strength bourbon is taken directly from the barrel to the bottling line, whereas a standard bourbon will have some water added in order to get it to the appropriate taste or ABV the distiller is looking for to sell it. To get to the point, cask strength or barrel proof whiskey is stronger. It’s often touted as having a deeper flavor profile.

How to Make this Bourbon Chai Cocktail

(Optional, but recommended) place cinnamon-sugar mixture into a bowl. Spread water along the rim of a glass with your finger & dip into the cinnamon-sugar. Tip glass upright and set aside.

Place ice, chai simple syrup, & bourbon in a shaker & shake vigorously to combine.

Remove ice (or strain) & pour liquid into serving glass. Top with club soda & garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Sip and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good ratio for cinnamon-sugar to use for the rim? A nice ratio for cinnamon-sugar is 1 Tablespoon cinnamon to ¼ cup granulated sugar. You can multiple this out to make a larger batch (easy to keep mixed together in any kind of air-tight container in your cabinet!)

What else can I make with the chai simple syrup? While I most often use chai simple syrup in this Chai Bourbon Cocktail recipe, it has a lot of potential for other mixed drinks! This simple syrup is also great to sweeten homemade chai lattes as it enhances the chai flavor.

What is the best bourbon to use for this cocktail recipe? Since bourbon is the star of the show in the Chai Bourbon Cocktail, you want to use a high quality bourbon to make this cocktail recipe. I outlined my three favorite varieties above, but honestly, the best bourbon for this drink is one that you like!