Chai Old Fashioned Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide with Spiced Bourbon & Syrup Options

Chai Old Fashioned Recipe: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to make a delicious Chai Old Fashioned cocktail at home. This recipe uses warm chai spices for a rich, aromatic twist on the classic cocktail. Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 oz chai-infused bourbon (or use chai syrup for quicker preparation)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel twist

Steps

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir gently for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a fresh orange peel twist.

	Chai Syrup	Infused Bourbon
Flavor Intensity	Moderate	Strong and Complex
Prep Time	Quick (5 minutes)	Slow infusion (6–12 hours)
Versatility	Ideal for multiple drinks, coffee, desserts	Better suited for sipping cocktails
Storage Life	Up to 4 weeks in fridge	Up to 3 months sealed

How to Make Chai-Infused Bourbon (Optional)

For deeper flavor, infuse your own bourbon with these simple steps:

1. Use 1 cup mid-shelf bourbon (Bulleit or Buffalo Trace recommended)
2. Add 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, 6 whole cloves, 1 tsp crushed ginger, and 5 black peppercorns
3. Steep for 8-12 hours (taste after 6 hours to avoid overpowering)
4. Strain through cheesecloth into a clean bottle
5. Store in cool, dark place for up to 3 months

How to Make Chai Simple Syrup (Quick Option)

1. Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp chai spices in a saucepan
2. Bring to simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves (5 minutes)
3. Cool completely and store in fridge for up to 4 weeks

Top Pre-Made Options

Product Name	Features	Price Range	Best For
Uncle Val's Chai Gin	Infused with cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and black tea	$$$	Cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy gin-forward drinks
Torani Chai Syrup	Sweet, creamy, and rich with balanced spice	$	Beginners and baristas alike
Fever-Tree Premium Chai Tonic	Spicy, aromatic tonic water infused with chai botanicals	$$	Gin lovers and tonic connoisseurs
DIY Chai Bourbon Kit by SpiceCraft	All-in-one kit with spices and instructions	$$	Home mixologists and DIY fans
Premier Estates Spiced Chai Liqueur	Dark, sweet liqueur with bold spice notes	$$	Dessert pairings and sipping neat

Pairing Suggestions

• Dark Chocolate: Balances spice with rich bitterness
• Smoked Almonds: Enhances nutty bourbon undertones
• Apple Pie: Complements warm cinnamon and spice notes
• Aged Cheddar: Stands up to bold cocktail flavors

FAQs

What is a chai old fashioned?

A chai old fashioned is a variation of the classic old fashioned cocktail that incorporates traditional chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. This can be achieved either by infusing bourbon with these spices or by using a chai simple syrup instead of regular sugar.

How is a chai old fashioned different from a regular old fashioned?

The primary difference is the incorporation of chai spices. While a traditional old fashioned uses plain sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a citrus twist, the chai version introduces warming spices that add complexity, depth, and a unique aromatic profile to the cocktail.

Can I make chai old fashioned without infusing bourbon?

Yes, absolutely. The easiest way is to use chai simple syrup instead of regular sugar. Simply combine equal parts water and sugar with chai spices, heat until dissolved, then cool. This syrup can be used immediately in your old fashioned recipe, providing both sweetness and spice without the need for infusion time.

What spices are typically used in a chai old fashioned?

The traditional chai spice blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. Some variations might also include star anise, nutmeg, or allspice depending on personal preference and regional chai traditions.

How long does chai-infused bourbon last?

Properly stored in a cool, dark place in a sealed container, chai-infused bourbon will maintain its best flavor for about 3 months. After that, it won't necessarily go bad, but the spice flavors may start to fade or change character.

What's the best bourbon to use for chai old fashioned?

For chai infusions, a mid-to-high shelf bourbon works best - something with enough character to stand up to the spices but not so expensive that you're wasting premium spirit. Bulleit, Four Roses, or Buffalo Trace are excellent choices that balance quality and value for infusions.

Can I buy pre-made chai old fashioned mix?

While you won't typically find a complete "chai old fashioned mix" that includes alcohol, you can purchase chai syrups (like Torani), chai-infused spirits (like Uncle Val's Chai Gin, though this is gin rather than bourbon), or chai concentrate that can be used to make the cocktail. Some specialty cocktail mix companies also offer chai bitters or concentrates designed specifically for old fashioneds.

What's the difference between using chai syrup and chai-infused bourbon?

Chai syrup provides sweetness along with spice flavors but doesn't alter the base spirit itself, making it quicker to prepare but resulting in a more moderate spice flavor. Chai-infused bourbon has the spices incorporated directly into the alcohol, creating a more complex, integrated flavor profile where the spice is part of the spirit rather than an added element. Infused bourbon requires more preparation time but delivers a more sophisticated final product.