The espresso martini is the pumpkin spice latte of cocktails. We’ll drink it. But isn’t it time to grow up a bit and have real taste?
Chai is built for this. It already has structure. Spice. Warmth. A little mystery. You do not need to drown it in coffee bravado and call it a personality.
Below are three chai cocktails that feel elevated without trying too hard.
Quick FAQ
Can I use The Cold Chai for cocktails?
Yes. It’s a ready base with real spice, not syrup pretending.
Citrus?
Avoid it. Milk plus acid can curdle. Nobody wants that surprise.
Best spirits to pair with chai
Vodka (clean), bourbon (warm), aged rum (soft, rich).
Shake or stir?
Shake creamy drinks. Stir spirit-forward drinks.
1) Chai Martini
Clean. Smooth. Slightly sweet. Not dessert.
Ingredients
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2 oz vodka
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3 oz The Cold Chai
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0.5 oz Licor 43 or vanilla liqueur
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Pinch of salt
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Ice
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Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg on top
Method
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Chill a coupe glass.
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Add vodka, The Cold Chai, liqueur, salt, and ice to a shaker.
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Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds.
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Strain into the chilled glass.
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Optional: a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Make it drier
Use 0.25 oz liqueur. Let the chai do the talking.
2) Chai Old Fashioned
If you like your drinks warm, dark, and expensive-tasting.
Ingredients
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2 oz bourbon or rye
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1 oz The Cold Chai
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0.25 oz demerara syrup or maple syrup
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Ice
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Optional: orange peel
Method
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Add everything to a mixing glass with ice.
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Stir 15 to 20 seconds until properly chilled.
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Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass.
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Optional: express orange peel over the top.
3) Chai Nightcap
Soft. Spiced. The opposite of a club drink.
Ingredients
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1.5 oz aged rum
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2.5 oz The Cold Chai
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0.5 oz amaro (Montenegro is easy, Nonino is elite)
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Ice
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Optional: 1 dash aromatic bitters
Method
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Build in a rocks glass over ice.
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Stir gently.
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Add bitters if you want it a touch drier.