The Best Chai Tea Cocktail: An Easy Tea Cocktail Recipe

Looking for a unique tea cocktail? Our "Afternoon Tea" is a refreshing and fun chai tea cocktail that's perfect for a sunny day or a relaxing evening. This recipe was crafted by our friend Monica, who runs Liquid Culture from her home in Toronto. It features a homemade Chai syrup that makes all the difference. This delicious tea cocktail is a perfect way to elevate your happy hour with a spiced, complex flavor profile.

What is a Tea Cocktail?

A tea cocktail is a mixed drink that uses tea as a primary ingredient, either brewed and chilled or as a flavored syrup. These cocktails are popular for their unique flavor profiles, which can be smoky, floral, spicy, or earthy, depending on the type of tea used. Using a tea-infused syrup allows for a concentrated flavor that doesn't dilute the drink, resulting in a perfectly balanced and aromatic cocktail.

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
• 2/3 oz Chai Syrup (recipe below)
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• 1 oz club soda
• Cinnamon and a pineapple wheel, to garnish

Instructions

1. Fill your pilsner glass with slightly cracked ice.
2. In a shaker, combine all ingredients except the club soda.
3. Give this a vigorous shake until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the pilsner glass.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a pineapple wheel and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Homemade Chai Syrup

This syrup recipe will make enough for several cocktails and can be stored for later use.

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

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Add one chai tea bag and let it steep for a minimum of 30 minutes before straining it out.
4. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

*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.

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 is a good chai tea to use for a cocktail?

For a balanced chai tea cocktail, use a robust, unsweetened chai tea blend. This allows you to control the sweetness and ensures the rich, spicy flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger stand out in the drink.

Can I make this chai tea cocktail with iced tea?

While you can use pre-made iced tea, using a concentrated syrup is recommended. The homemade syrup delivers a more intense flavor without adding extra water, which could dilute the cocktail. The syrup can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

Why do you use both rye and sherry in this recipe?

The combination of rye whiskey and Amontillado sherry provides a perfect balance of flavors for this tea cocktail. The rye offers a spicy, full-bodied base, while the sherry adds a nutty, dry complexity that complements the spiced notes of the chai tea. Together, they create a well-rounded and unique drinking experience.