This Chai Bourbon Cocktail recipe 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.
This bourbon chai cocktail is made with your favorite high-quality bourbon, chai simple syrup, and club soda. Take your cocktail experience to the next level by adding a cinnamon-sugar rim to your glass.
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.
This simple bourbon cocktail recipe is sure to be a new favorite. A wonderful option for those who love mixed bourbon drinks!
TELL ME ABOUT: THE CHAI BOURBON COCKTAIL
Level of difficulty: This is an easy cocktail to make. You do have the added step of making homemade chai simple syrup for this cocktail recipe, but that is an easy process as well.
Flavor: A sweet, boozy, chai tea really describes this well…this bourbon cocktail has a nice warm spice profile from the chai and cinnamon. Sweet, but not overly so.
Texture: Smooth and easy to drink
Time: From start-to-finish, it will take you approximately 5 minutes to mix up your Chai Bourbon Cocktail (this does not include the time to make the simple syrup).
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: The recipe for the homemade chai simple syrup is located here – make sure to make your simple syrup ahead of your cocktail mixing! 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.
OVERVIEW: HOW TO MAKE A CHAI BOURBON COCKTAIL
- 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
- Enjoy!
TIPS & TRICKS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT CHAI BOURBON COCKTAIL
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!
LOVE THIS RECIPE? YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
Chai Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chai simple syrup
- 1, 1.5 oz jigger bourbon
- club soda
- ice
- cinnamon-sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- 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
M. says
I love chai, and I love bourbon – this drink is GREAT!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
🙌🙌🙌 so glad you loved it! thanks for making my recipe.
David says
I wasn’t sold on the idea of this cocktail, but my wife insisted we try them recently. Turns out she was right—they’re delicious!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m glad you’re now on board! Whoo hoo! Thanks for giving this cocktail a chance.
Maren says
These are DELISH and very easy to make. Yum!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Chai Bourbon! Thanks for making my recipe, cheers!
Rosie says
Such an easy cocktail recipe to follow.
And insanely tasty!
This is going to be my new go to Bourbon cocktail recipe. And considering Bourbon is one of my favourite spirits, that’s really saying a lot!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so glad this is going to be added to your regular rotation Rosie! It means a lot to hear it.