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- 1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled to room temperature - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup - 2 dashes of aromatic bitters - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 cup sparkling water - Ice cubes (as needed) - Cinnamon stick - Star anise The main ingredients form the heart of your Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned. First, we start with brewed chai tea. This tea gives the drink its warm, spiced notes. The vanilla extract adds a sweet aroma, blending perfectly with the chai. Maple syrup brings in natural sweetness, while the bitters give depth. Lastly, fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, making each sip refreshing. For garnishing, sparkling water adds a lovely fizz. Ice cubes keep your drink cool. The cinnamon stick and star anise not only look great but also enhance the aroma. They make your cocktail feel special and festive. Each component plays a role in creating a rich flavor twist. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to brew the chai tea. Use your favorite blend and steep it for 5 to 7 minutes. This time allows the flavors to come out. After brewing, take out the tea bag or strain the leaves. Let the tea cool at room temperature. Cooling is key to getting the right taste for your cocktail. Next, grab a cocktail shaker. Add the cooled chai tea to the shaker. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don’t forget the 2 dashes of aromatic bitters! Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Seal it tightly and shake gently for 15 to 20 seconds. This mixes and chills everything nicely. Now, let’s prepare the glass. Fill it with fresh ice cubes to keep your drink cold. Strain the chai mixture into the glass. Make sure no ice pieces get in. Slowly pour the sparkling water over the strained mixture. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Finally, add a cinnamon stick and a star anise for garnish. This makes your drink look and smell amazing! To make your Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned truly shine, start with a robust chai blend. A strong chai adds depth and warmth. Look for blends with bold spices. This will balance nicely with the sweetness of the vanilla. Next, choose high-quality vanilla extract. Pure vanilla gives your drink a rich flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla, as it lacks the same depth. A little goes a long way. Just one tablespoon can transform your cocktail. Glassware plays a big role in your cocktail's appeal. Use a clear glass to show off the drink's beautiful color. A classic rocks glass or a stylish highball will work well. Rimming the glass with sugar and cinnamon is a fun touch. To do this, moisten the rim with lemon juice. Then, dip the rim into a mix of sugar and cinnamon. This adds flavor and a festive look. Your guests will love the extra flair! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chai Tea: The flavor of your drink will greatly depend on the quality of the chai tea you use. Opt for loose leaf or a high-quality tea bag for the best taste. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more maple syrup. You can also experiment with honey or agave syrup for different flavor profiles. Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. This will keep your drink colder for longer. Garnish Creatively: Beyond the cinnamon stick and star anise, consider adding a slice of lemon or orange on the rim for an added burst of citrus aroma and flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap the pure maple syrup for other sweeteners. Honey or agave syrup adds a rich taste. They bring a unique sweetness that fits well with chai. Coconut sugar is another great option. It has a slight caramel flavor that enhances the drink. Experiment with these sweeteners to find your favorite. Adding cardamom or ginger can elevate your cocktail. Cardamom gives a warm, floral note. Ginger adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness. You can also try using flavored bitters. Orange or chocolate bitters can add depth to your drink. This small change can create a new flavor profile. You can make a mocktail by skipping the alcohol. Just focus on the chai, vanilla, and spices. This version is perfect for those who want a refreshing drink without alcohol. Adjust the sweetness to keep the flavor strong. Consider adding a splash of extra lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy this delightful drink anytime! If you have leftover Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned cocktail, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This drink is best enjoyed within a day or two. The flavors can fade after that. For opened ingredients like brewed chai tea, keep them in the fridge too. Brewed chai lasts about 3-5 days. Make sure to cover it well. For pure vanilla extract, you can store it in a cool, dark place. It can last for years if sealed tightly. Brewed chai tea stays fresh for about 3-5 days in the fridge. If you brew more than you need, this is a good rule to follow. Always check for off smells before using. Pure vanilla extract lasts a long time. If stored correctly, it can last indefinitely. Just keep it out of sunlight and away from heat. This will keep the flavor strong and fresh for all your future cocktails. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail is a warm twist on a classic drink. It mixes chai tea with vanilla, maple syrup, and lemon juice. You’ll taste spicy notes from chai and sweet hints from vanilla. Aromatic bitters add depth and balance. The drink is fizzy from sparkling water, making it refreshing and exciting. This cocktail is perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. Yes, you can prepare this cocktail ahead of time. Brew the chai tea and let it cool. Mix the chai with vanilla, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add ice and top with sparkling water. This way, you can enjoy the cocktail without the rush. This cocktail pairs well with many foods. Try it with spiced nuts for a crunchy snack. Cheese platters with sharp cheeses also complement the flavors nicely. For a meal, serve it with roasted chicken or a hearty curry. It is a great drink for fall and winter parties, too, and goes well with sweet desserts like apple pie or cinnamon rolls. This blog post covered how to make a Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail. We explored the key ingredients, from brewed chai tea to aromatic bitters. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing and serving, along with tips to enhance flavor and presentation. Remember, you can switch sweeteners or spices to change the taste. Whether you enjoy it as a cocktail or a mocktail, have fun experimenting. Enjoy your drink and impress your friends with your new skills!

Chai-Spiced Vanilla Delight

A refreshing and aromatic drink combining brewed chai tea with vanilla, maple syrup, and sparkling water.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 1
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled to room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • as needed none ice cubes
  • 1 none cinnamon stick for garnish
  • 1 none star anise for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by brewing a robust cup of chai tea using your favorite blend. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes for maximum flavor, then remove the tea bag or strain the leaves, and let it cool completely at room temperature.
  • Once the tea is cooled, take a cocktail shaker and add the cooled chai tea, pure vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the aromatic bitters.
  • Fill the shaker with ice cubes, sealing the lid tightly. Shake gently for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly combined and chilled.
  • Prepare a glass by filling it with fresh ice cubes to keep your drink cool.
  • Strain the chai mixture into the prepared glass, ensuring that no ice pieces make their way in.
  • Slowly pour the sparkling water over the strained mixture and give it a gentle stir to incorporate the flavors.
  • For the finishing touch, adorn your drink with a cinnamon stick and a star anise, enhancing both the aroma and visual appeal.

Notes

Serve in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful color and layers. Rim the glass with a mix of sugar and cinnamon for added flair.
Keyword chai, refreshing, sparkling drink, vanilla