Chai Bourbon Latte Cocktail
Cozy chai latte meets bourbon—warming, spicy, creamy, and perfectly sweet. This after-dinner drink is comfort in a mug, ideal for chilly nights or when you want something different with a little kick.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof mug or glass
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spoon
- Milk frother or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag or 2 tsp loose chai tea
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1-2 star anise pods optional
- 0.25 tsp ground cardamom
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
- 0.5 cup coconut milk, nut milk, or half-and-half
- 2 oz bourbon
- whipped cream optional, for topping
- cinnamon stick, star anise, or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Bring water, cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, star anise, cardamom, and nutmeg to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
- Add chai tea bag or loose tea. Steep for about 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bag or strain out loose tea and spices.
- Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey until dissolved.
- Pour in coconut milk or nut milk and heat gently—do not boil.
- Froth milk with whisk or frother if desired. Pour hot chai mixture into a heatproof mug.
- Add bourbon and stir well. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon stick, star anise, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Notes
Use ground spices if whole aren’t available (just use less). Any milk works—try coconut, almond, or oat for dairy-free. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste. Skip bourbon for a nonalcoholic chai latte. Garnish for extra aroma and presentation. Batch for groups by scaling ingredients.