This Spiced Chai Bourbon Cider Cocktail is a simple fall cocktail made with only 4 ingredients! This cozy cocktail can be served cold or warm.
The warm chai flavor is one that I can drink all year long. Yet, it seems that I only drink them during colder months in coffee or tea. I knew that I needed a cocktail that combined chai and bourbon.
For another cool-weather cocktail, try this Kentucky Coffee. Made with a homemade maple simple syrup, this drink is perfect for the fall season. Or, try this Almond Joy Martini. This dessert cocktail is the perfect addition to any holiday menu!
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Simple! Simmering and shaking is all that is required to make a delicious chai cocktail.
- Comes together quickly. Make the Chai Simple Syrup ahead of time and whip up this cocktail at home in less than 5 minutes.
- Not too sweet. Control the level of sweetness by making this drink yourself.
Ingredients
- Bourbon is the alcohol used in this cocktail.
- Apple cider is used to add sweetness and a fall touch.
- The chai simple syrup adds the warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper to the drink.
- Lemon juice balances out the cocktail with a little tang.
Full ingredients and measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
Substitutions
- If you are not a bourbon lover, replace the bourbon with a dark rum or a whiskey.
- If apple cider is not in season, use apple juice.
- In place of the Chai Simple Syrup, you can make a very strong cup of chai tea or a chai tea concentrate.
- You could also sweeten the drink with maple syrup in place of the simple syrup.
- Orange juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Variations
- Make this a mocktail by omitting the bourbon and using 1 additional tablespoon of apple cider and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Make this a hot drink! Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. If making a large batch, combine all ingredients in a crockpot and set the temperature to warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the chai simple syrup. Add the water and dark brown sugar to a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add chai tea bags, vanilla, and cinnamon. Allow tea bags to seep for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the bourbon, apple cider, chai simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is cold and icy.
Step 3: Wet the rim of a glass and dip into the cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Pour the cocktail into the rimmed glass over ice and enjoy!
Top tip
- Use a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking.
- The leftover chai simple syrup can be used in coffee or tea!
FAQ
Yes, you can make this Chai Bourbon Cocktail in advance. Simply, combine all ingredients in a shaker without adding the ice and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake it up!
The best bourbon to use in a cocktail is one that you love. Because there are so few ingredients in this drink, I do recommend using a high-quality bourbon. I like to use High West Bourbon, Makers Mark Cask Strength or Henry McKenna Single Barrel.
Garnish this fall cocktail with a cinnamon stick or star anise in the drink. Use a lemon wedge, orange wedge, or apple slice on the glass. And don’t forget to rim the cocktail with cinnamon sugar for a fun and festive look!
Related
Looking for other simple cocktail recipes? Try one of these:
Pairing
Pair your Chai Cider Bourbon with one of these simple appetizers:
Spiced Chai Cider Bourbon (4 Ingredient Cocktail)
Equipment
- Small pot
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 ounces Apple Cider
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- 0.5 ounce Chai Simple Syrup
- Cinnamon Sugar
Chai Simple Syrup
- 1 cup Water
- 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Chai Tea Bags
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and Chai Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes cold.
- Rim glass with cinnamon sugar (optional).
- Pour cocktail over ice and enjoy.
Chai Simple Syrup
- To a small pot, add water and brown sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the vanilla, chai tea bags and cinnamon stick. Allow to seep for 10 minutes.
- Remove and discard the tea bags and cinnamon stick. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.