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Are you ready to elevate your home bartending game with a cocktail that combines the warmth of chai spices, the boldness of coffee bourbon, and the classic sophistication of an Old Fashioned? This Dirty Chai Old Fashioned is your answer to boring drinks.
This innovative twist on the traditional Old Fashioned brings together the best of both worlds: the aromatic complexity of chai tea and the smooth richness of coffee-infused bourbon. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dirty Chai Old Fashioned
This cocktail stands out for several compelling reasons. First, the homemade chai tea syrup infuses every sip with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Second, the coffee bourbon adds a sophisticated depth that perfectly complements the tea’s aromatics. Third, fresh lemon juice provides a bright, citrusy balance that cuts through the richness beautifully.
The recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, play with different bitters, or experiment with garnishes to make it your own signature drink.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To create this stunning cocktail, you’ll need some basic bar tools. A quality mixing bowl is essential for preparing your chai syrup, while a sturdy pot ensures even heating when dissolving the sugar. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient ratios that make or break a great cocktail.
For serving, a classic whiskey glass showcases the drink’s beautiful amber color, and a kitchen utensil set with a good bar spoon makes stirring smooth and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chai Tea Syrup
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Chai tea bags | 4 bags |
For the Cocktail
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chai tea syrup | 1.5 ounces |
| Devils River Coffee Bourbon | 3 ounces |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 ounce |
| Bitters | 3 dashes |
| Cinnamon stick (optional) | 1 for garnish |
| Star anise (optional) | 1 for garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Chai Tea Syrup
Begin by gathering your pot and measuring cups. Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in your pot. Place over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly with a spoon from your kitchen utensils set.
Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves into the water, creating a clear syrup. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once dissolved, immediately remove the pot from heat to prevent caramelization.
Add the 4 chai tea bags to the hot syrup and let them steep for exactly 15 minutes. This timing is crucial for extracting the perfect balance of spices without bitterness. After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags, squeezing gently to extract maximum flavor.
Transfer the syrup to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature before using. Store any unused syrup in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Crafting the Perfect Cocktail
Once your chai syrup has cooled, you’re ready to mix your cocktail. In a whiskey glass, combine 1.5 ounces of your homemade chai tea syrup, 3 ounces of Devils River Coffee Bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3 dashes of your favorite bitters.
Using a bar spoon from your kitchen utensils, stir the mixture clockwise exactly 40 times. This traditional technique properly chills and dilutes the cocktail while creating a silky texture. The clockwise motion is a bartender’s tradition that ensures even mixing.
Add ice to the glass after stirring, not before. This prevents over-dilution during the mixing process. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise for an elegant presentation that also adds subtle aromatics as you sip.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. The difference is remarkable and worth the extra minute of effort.
Experiment with different chai tea brands to find your favorite flavor profile. Some are spicier, others more floral, so taste-testing can help you customize the recipe.
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the chai syrup to 2 ounces. For a drier drink, reduce it to 1 ounce and adjust to taste.
The type of bitters you choose significantly impacts the final flavor. Aromatic bitters are classic, but orange or chocolate bitters can add interesting dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chai syrup in advance?
Absolutely! The chai tea syrup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 months when kept in a tightly sealed container. This makes it perfect for batch cocktail preparation or having on hand for spontaneous entertaining.
What if I don’t have coffee bourbon?
While coffee bourbon adds unique depth, you can substitute regular bourbon or whiskey. For a coffee note, add a splash of cold brew coffee or coffee liqueur to compensate.
Can I make this cocktail in larger batches?
Yes! Simply multiply all cocktail ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix in a large pitcher, stirring well, then pour over ice in individual glasses. The syrup recipe already makes enough for multiple drinks.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Create a mocktail by replacing the bourbon with cold brew coffee and adding a splash of vanilla extract. Use the same proportions of chai syrup and lemon juice for a delicious alcohol-free option.
What’s the best way to garnish this drink?
Cinnamon sticks and star anise are traditional and beautiful. You can also try an orange peel twist, fresh ginger slice, or even a few whole coffee beans for visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
This Dirty Chai Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with rich desserts like chocolate cake or tiramisu. It also complements savory appetizers such as bacon-wrapped dates, aged cheeses, or roasted nuts. Serve it as an after-dinner digestif or as a sophisticated aperitif before a special meal.
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PrintEasy Dirty Chai Old Fashioned Recipe with Coffee Bourbon (5 Minutes)
This Dirty Chai Old Fashioned combines aromatic chai tea syrup with smooth coffee bourbon and fresh lemon juice for a sophisticated cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. The homemade chai syrup adds warming spices while the coffee bourbon brings depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 chai tea bags
1.5 ounces chai tea syrup
3 ounces Devils River Coffee Bourbon
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3 dashes bitters
1 cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
1 star anise for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the chai tea syrup by bringing the water and sugar to boil over high heat in a pot. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and steep the tea bags in the syrup for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, drain the tea bags, remove from the pot, and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Store unused syrup in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
4. To make the cocktail, place 1.5 ounces chai tea syrup, 3 ounces coffee bourbon, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 3 dashes bitters in a whiskey glass.
5. Stir clockwise 40 times until all ingredients are combined.
6. Top with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise as desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
The chai syrup can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 months
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less chai syrup to taste
Experiment with different bitters for varied flavor profiles