Afternoon Tea: The Easiest Chai Tea Cocktail You'll Make

If you want a tea cocktail with real personality, Afternoon Tea is your moment. It is bright, spiced and refreshing. Our friend Monica from Liquid Culture in Toronto created this recipe, and the homemade chai syrup is the secret that makes it shine. This drink brings layered flavor without a bit of fuss and lifts any happy hour with ease.

What is a Tea Cocktail?

A tea cocktail uses brewed tea or a tea infused syrup to build flavor. Tea brings smoky, floral, earthy or spicy notes depending on what you choose. A syrup gives concentrated flavor without watering the drink down. The result is a balanced cocktail with aroma and depth.

The Afternoon Tea: A Chai Tea Cocktail Recipe

This recipe makes one cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Michter's Straight Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Amontillado Sherry Lustau
• 0.66 oz Chai Syrup 
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 2 shakes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• 1 shake Angostura Bitters
• 1 oz club soda
• Cinnamon and a pineapple wheel for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a pilsner glass with cracked ice.
2. Add all ingredients except the club soda to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake until cold.
4. Strain into the pilsner glass.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wheel and a pinch of cinnamon.

Homemade Chai Syrup

This syrup makes enough for several cocktails and stores well.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 chai tea bag

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil.
   
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
   
3. Add the chai tea bag and steep for at least thirty minutes.
   
4. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
   
5. Use one tea bag for every two cups of water if you plan to scale it.

*Note: You want the bitter attributes from the tea, but not too much, so be mindful of the steeping time. One tea bag for every two cups of water is a good ratio if you want to make a larger batch.

Why Chicory Pecan Bitters Matter

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chai tea works best?

Choose a robust, unsweetened chai blend so you can control the sweetness and let the spices shine.

Can I use iced tea instead?

You can, but a syrup gives you better flavor. It keeps the drink bold without extra water.

Why use both rye and sherry?

Rye sets a spicy, full bodied base. Sherry adds nutty, dry complexity. Together they complement the chai and create a balanced cocktail.