Chai Bourbon Latte Cocktail Recipe

I’m always hunting for new ways to enjoy my favorite drinks, and honestly, mixing a classic chai latte with bourbon? That’s a combo I didn’t know I needed. A Chai Bourbon Latte Cocktail brings together the spicy warmth of chai with the mellow kick of bourbon—it’s perfect for a quiet night in or sharing with friends.

The sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors all swirl together for a drink that’s both comforting and a little unexpected.

If you’re into chai or bourbon, this recipe might just hit the spot. It’s a simple way to get those café vibes at home, but with a grown-up twist.

Honestly, if you love chai lattes and feel like mixing things up, this is worth a try.

Chai Bourbon Latte Cocktail Recipe

This drink is all about the rich, spiced chai blending with bourbon and creamy milk. It’s a cozy cocktail, especially when it’s chilly or you’re hanging out with good company.

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Heatproof mug or glass
• Fine mesh strainer (for loose tea or whole spices)
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Spoon for stirring
• Milk frother or whisk for foaming milk (optional)

A fine mesh strainer is super helpful if you’re using loose chai spices. If you’re a fan of that frothy top, a milk frother is honestly worth it.

Just make sure your mug can handle heat—nobody wants a cracked glass mid-sip.

Ingredients

• 1 chai tea bag or 2 tsp loose chai tea
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 thin slices fresh ginger
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1-2 star anise pods (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
• 1/2 cup coconut milk, nut milk, or half-and-half
• 2 oz bourbon
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Extra cinnamon stick, star anise, or nutmeg for garnish

The kind of chai you pick really changes the vibe. I usually go for classic black tea chai blends—they just work with bourbon.

Brown sugar or maple syrup both add a cozy sweetness. Coconut milk gives a mild tropical note, but nut milks are great if you want to keep it dairy-free.

Instructions

• Bring 1 cup of water, cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, star anise, cardamom, and nutmeg to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
• Add the chai tea bag or loose tea. Let it steep for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea and spices.
• Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey until it’s dissolved.
• Pour in the coconut milk or nut milk and heat gently—don’t let it boil.
• Froth the milk with a whisk or frother if you like it foamy.
• Pour the hot chai mixture into a heatproof mug. Add 2 oz bourbon and give it a good stir.
• Top with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy, and toss on a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

I usually add the bourbon at the end to keep its flavor front and center. You can tweak the tea strength, sweetness, or milk type however you like.

Always give it a good stir before serving—nobody wants a sugary layer at the bottom.

Notes

If you don’t have all the whole spices, using ground versions works—just use a lighter hand so it doesn’t get bitter.

This cocktail is tasty with pretty much any milk or cream. I’ll sometimes use homemade almond or oat milk for a change.

For a nonalcoholic version, just skip the bourbon and you’ve got a spiced chai latte.

Garnishes like cinnamon sticks or star anise look and smell amazing. If you have a sweet tooth, add a little extra honey or maple syrup.

For more spice, let the tea steep a bit longer, but don’t overdo it.

If you’re making drinks for a group, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe. A dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream just makes it feel special.

Tasting Notes

The first thing that hits me when I sip this chai bourbon latte cocktail is that smooth, warming bourbon. It’s almost like the drink wraps you up, especially with those chai spices—cloves, cinnamon, cardamom—showing up in the background.

All those spices just kind of meld together, and honestly, it’s pretty comforting. There’s this gentle sweetness, probably from a splash of honey or maybe simple syrup if that’s what I’ve got on hand.

That bit of sweetness softens everything and makes it go down easy, especially if I’m winding down after dinner. The creamy milk or foam on top? It gives the cocktail this velvety, almost pillowy texture.

If you’re into whiskey drinks, this bourbon cocktail definitely brings some nice depth and warmth. I love serving it as an after-dinner drink—it just feels cozy and relaxing. And hey, you can always tweak the sweetness or spice if you want to nudge it in your own direction.