Vanilla Chai Punch Cocktail Recipe

If you’re after a cocktail that feels cozy but still fits the vibe of a party, this might be the one. I love how it brings together the warmth of chai and the mellow sweetness of vanilla vodka.

This Vanilla Chai Punch Cocktail is simple, full of flavor, and honestly, it’s just really nice to share.

I came up with this when I was tired of the usual fruity punches. Chai gives it a rich, spiced kick, and the vanilla smooths everything out with a creamy note.

It’s unique but not a pain to pull together. That’s kind of my favorite thing about it.

You’ll see—it’s just a few easy steps. After that, I’ll tell you a bit about how it tastes and why I like making it for groups.

Vanilla Chai Punch Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this recipe is how it blends those warm chai spices with the vanilla vodka and a bit of citrus. The whole thing feels balanced—sweet, spiced, and just a hint of bitterness.

It’s great for gatherings, but honestly, I’ve made it for myself on a quiet night too.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Large punch bowl or pitcher
• Long stirring spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring jigger
• Ice scoop
• Small saucepan (for making chai syrup or concentrate)
• Mugs or punch glasses

I always reach for a sturdy cocktail shaker to help mix everything up well. If I’m serving a crowd, a big punch bowl or pitcher is a must.

The strainer keeps out bits from the chai syrup. And a saucepan is handy for simmering black tea with spices—think cinnamon, cardamom, star anise—to build a strong base.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strong black tea or chai concentrate
• 1 cup vanilla vodka
• ½ cup chai syrup (made with honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and star anise)
• ¼ cup orange bitters
• 2 cups chilled sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Garnishes: cinnamon sticks, star anise, grated nutmeg

I like to brew the black tea with a bunch of aromatic spices for a bold flavor. Vanilla vodka gives it that smoothness, and the chai syrup brings in sweetness and spice.

Orange bitters help keep the drink from feeling too heavy. And those garnishes—cinnamon sticks, nutmeg—make the punch look and smell extra cozy.

Instructions

• Brew your black tea or chai concentrate and let it cool.
• In a saucepan, simmer the spices with honey or maple syrup to make the chai syrup. Strain and let it cool.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the vanilla vodka, chai syrup, cooled tea, and orange bitters. Shake it up well.
• Strain everything into a punch bowl filled with ice.
• Pour in the chilled sparkling water and stir gently.
• Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a little grated nutmeg before serving.

I always shake the ingredients first—it just mixes the syrup and vodka really well. Pouring it over ice in the punch bowl keeps it nice and cold.

Adding the sparkling water at the end makes it taste lighter and a bit more refreshing.

Notes

I usually tweak the sweetness depending on who’s coming over. Honey gives a floral touch, while maple syrup makes it richer.

If I want more spice, I’ll simmer extra ginger or cardamom in the syrup. Sometimes I swap out half the vodka for sparkling water if I’m in the mood for something lighter.

When it’s cold outside, I might skip the ice and serve this punch warm in mugs with a cinnamon stick. The spices get even bolder when it’s heated up.

Tasting Notes

The first sip? It’s smooth, a little spiced—almost like a gentle nudge from the vanilla. That sweetness really takes the edge off the boldness of the chai.

Feels warm and cozy, weirdly enough, even if it’s served cold.

The spices are what really jump out at me. Cinnamon, cardamom, and, if I’m not imagining it, a smidge of clove.

They give each sip this sort of layered thing that just hangs around after you swallow.

I appreciate how the creaminess steps in to mellow out the spice. It manages to feel rich without ever getting heavy.

Honestly, the balance between sweet and spiced is just… easygoing, if that makes sense.

The aroma? Oh, that’s a whole other story. Right away, there’s vanilla, and then that earthy chai tea scent sneaks in.

Makes the drink feel inviting even before it hits your tongue.

Over ice, the flavors stay sharp and refreshing. The cold keeps the sweetness in check, so you might find yourself reaching for a second glass without thinking twice.