Chai Hard: Chai Cocktail

I’ve been making my own chai at home every week for years, so when I say this cocktail captures that warm, spiced flavor, I mean it.

I also spent years bartending, which means I take my cocktails seriously… even the fun ones. (Those are the best ones after all!) This Chai Cocktail hits all my favorite notes: easy, tasty, boozy and a little mischievous, it’s also:

• Ridiculously easy – all ingredients into a shaker, give it a good shake, done.
• Great holiday party drink – fun name, good laugh, smooth flavor.
• Not too heavy – creamy without being dessert-in-a-glass.

Ingredients and Substitutions You Can Make

This is a great combination of flavors and all contribute to the cocktail tasting like chai:

• Vodka – make sure to use unflavored
• Kahlúa – or another coffee liqueur but not creamy.
• Crème de Cacao – type of chocolate liqueur, traditionally clear or dark but not creamy.
• Orange Curaçao – this orange liqueur has spicier flavor pallet and sweeter. If needed, substitute another orange liqueur.
• Strong brewed tea – try to get tea bags of black tea that is chai flavors. Several brands have it on the market. Brew it longer for stronger tea flavor in the cocktail.
• Milk – use whole milk for lighter taste, half and half for creamier texture, or oat milk to dairy free option.
• Bitters – use angostura or chocolate bitters.

Tips For The Best Chai Cocktail

Use very strong tea. It’s what gives the drink its chai-like flavor.

Adjust sweetness by adding a little cinnamon simple syrup or regular simple syrup.

Make it creamier with half-and-half or heavy cream.

Want more spice? Add a pinch of cinnamon on top.

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below or share and tag me on social media @willcookforsmiles. DON’T FORGET to subscribe to my newsletter!

How To Make Chai Cocktail: Step By Step

This is really a no-effort cocktail, unless you consider shaking it an effort!

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add vodka, Kahlúa, crème de cacao, orange curaçao, strong tea, milk, and a couple dashes of bitters.
• Shake until chilled and frothy.
• Pour into your favorite glass.
• Toast to the holidays: “Yippee-chai-yay!”

Serving Ideas

Serve this at holiday parties, movie nights, cookie exchanges, or anytime you need a festive drink that makes people smile. It pairs beautifully with gingerbread cookies, snickerdoodles, and RumChata Rum Balls.

Try More Of My Creamy Cocktail Recipes

If creamy cocktails are your thing, I’ve got plenty more delicious ideas to keep you sipping happily. Try cozy, dessert-like mud slide (recipe for making it two ways) and RumChata cocktail. Smooth coffee-inspired favorites like Irish coffee and the classic white Russian. For chocolate lovers, try my chocolate martini and homemade Irish cream.