Chai-Spiced Vanilla Delight

$To make your Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned, gather these simple items: - Cooled brewed chai tea - Vanilla extract - Maple syrup - Aromatic bitters - Fresh lemon juice - Sparkling water - Ice cubes - Garnish options (cinnamon sticks and star anise) Each ingredient plays a key role. The cooled brewed chai tea adds warmth and spice. Vanilla extract gives a sweet touch. Maple syrup brings a rich flavor. Aromatic bitters add depth. Fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness. Sparkling water lightens the drink. Ice cubes chill your cocktail. Garnishes like cinnamon sticks and star anise make it pretty and fragrant. You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. Make sure to get good-quality chai tea for the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by brewing a strong cup of chai tea. Use your favorite blend for the best flavor. Allow the tea to cool completely. This step is important, as warm tea can dilute the drink. Aim for one cup of brewed tea. In a shaker, add the cooled chai tea. Pour in one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Next, add one tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness. Then, include two dashes of aromatic bitters. Finally, squeeze in one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Each ingredient adds depth to the flavor. Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Shake gently until everything is well mixed and chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Top off your drink with half a cup of sparkling water. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. For a lovely touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star anise. Enjoy your Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned! To make great chai, start with quality tea leaves. Choose loose-leaf tea or tea bags with strong flavors. Use one cup of water for each cup of tea. Bring water to a boil. Add your tea and let it steep for five to seven minutes. This helps extract all the rich spices. After steeping, strain the tea and let it cool. Cooling is key for mixing. When picking whiskey, consider its flavor. A smooth bourbon or rye works best. Bourbon adds sweetness, while rye gives a spicy kick. Taste different brands to find your favorite. You want a whiskey that complements the chai and vanilla. Avoid strong, harsh whiskeys that overpower the drink. If you don't have maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar. Both add sweetness but have different flavors. Honey adds floral notes, while agave is lighter. You can also use brown sugar for a rich taste. Just dissolve it in warm water first. This makes it easier to mix into your cocktail. Experiment with these options to find what you like best. Pro Tips Use Quality Chai Tea: The flavor of your drink will depend significantly on the quality of chai tea you use. Opt for loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags for the best taste. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of maple syrup based on your personal preference. You can also substitute with honey or agave syrup if desired. Experiment with Bitters: Different types of aromatic bitters can enhance the complexity of your drink. Try orange or chocolate bitters for a unique twist! Garnish Creatively: Beyond cinnamon sticks and star anise, consider adding a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint to elevate the presentation and aroma. {{image_2}} You can enjoy a refreshing iced version of this cocktail. Start with brewed chai tea, cooled down. Mix it as usual, but add more ice to the glass. Top with sparkling water for extra fizz. This drink is perfect for hot days. For a warm twist, try adding rum. Use the same chai tea base. Replace the whiskey with a dark rum. The rum adds depth and warmth. You will also enjoy the spice of the chai. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. If you prefer no alcohol, this drink is easy to adapt. Simply leave out the whiskey. The tea, vanilla, and maple syrup still taste great. Use extra sparkling water for a fun fizz. It’s a delicious treat for everyone. If you have extra Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned, store it in the fridge. Use a sealed container. This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it for up to two days. To keep your drink fresh, avoid adding sparkling water until you're ready to serve. This helps keep the fizz when you pour. Always store the garnish separately. Cinnamon sticks and star anise can stay dry in a cool place. You can reuse ingredients in other drinks too. The chai tea makes a great base for many cocktails. Use leftover maple syrup in pancakes or oatmeal. Lemon juice can brighten other drinks or dressings. Keep your cocktail game strong by using what you have! A Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic drink. It blends warm chai tea with vanilla and maple syrup. This makes a sweet and spiced cocktail. You add aromatic bitters to deepen the flavor. Finally, you top it off with sparkling water for a fizzy touch. It’s perfect for cozy nights. Yes, you can make parts of this cocktail ahead of time. Brew the chai tea and cool it first. Mix the other ingredients, except for the sparkling water. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just add the sparkling water and ice when you are ready to enjoy. If you don’t have aromatic bitters, try orange bitters instead. They add a nice citrus flavor. You can also use a dash of vanilla extract for a sweeter taste. If you want a unique twist, try using a spiced syrup. Just keep in mind it may change the final flavor. You can find great vanilla chai tea in many places. Look at local tea shops for fresh blends. Online stores also offer a wide range of options. Check the ingredients for real vanilla and spices. This ensures a rich flavor in your cocktail. Choose a blend that excites your taste buds. This blog post covered crafting a Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned. We explored key ingredients, brewing techniques, and fun variations. I shared tips for the best chai, whiskey choices, and sweetener swaps. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep flavors fresh. Whether you’re mixing for a special occasion or just treating yourself, enjoy experimenting with this unique drink. Have fun making your own version of this delightful cocktail!$

Chai-Spiced Vanilla Delight

A refreshing beverage combining the warmth of chai tea with vanilla and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Beverage

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 1

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 2 sparkling water
as needed cubes ice cubes
as needed pieces cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish

Instructions

Brew a strong cup of chai tea using your favorite blend, and allow it to cool completely.
In a shaker, combine the cooled chai tea, vanilla extract, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake gently until well mixed and chilled.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Top off the drink with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star anise for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Adjust sweetness with more or less maple syrup as desired.

Keyword beverage, chai, refreshing, vanilla