Chai Whiskey Sour: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Chai Whiskey Sour

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment Needed:
• Cocktail shaker
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Saucepan (for chai syrup)
• Muddler (optional)
• Rocks glass (or coupe glass for a fancier look)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Chai Whiskey Sour:
• 2 oz whiskey bourbon or rye
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz chai syrup recipe below
• 1 egg white optional for a frothy texture
• Ice cubes
• For the Chai Syrup:
• 1 cup water
• 1 chai tea bag or 1 tbsp loose-leaf chai
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions

 

• Method for Creating It
• Step 1: Make the Chai Syrup
• Boil the water: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
• Brew the tea: Remove from heat and steep 1 chai tea bag (or loose-leaf chai) in the hot water for about 4-5 minutes.
• Add the sugar: After removing the tea, add 1 cup of sugar to the hot water and stir until dissolved. Let it cool. This chai syrup will add the spiced depth you need for the cocktail.
• Step 2: Prepare the Whiskey Sour
• Add the ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz of the chai syrup, and (optional) 1 egg white for a creamy, frothy texture.
• Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white. This step helps to achieve that signature froth.
• Add ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
• Strain the drink: Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. You can also use a coupe glass if you’re serving it up (without ice).
• Garnish: Top with a dusting of cinnamon or a lemon wheel to highlight the chai's spice.
• Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
• Vegan or Egg-Free Option: Skip the egg white or use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a plant-based substitute. It’ll give you the same frothy effect.
• Whiskey Choices: If you want a bolder flavor, go for rye whiskey. For a sweeter, smoother finish, bourbon is the way to go.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can swap out the white sugar in the chai syrup for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but in a delicious way.
• Make it a Mocktail: If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute the whiskey with strong-brewed black tea. You’ll still get a rich flavor profile, just minus the booze.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a low-carb version, use a sugar-free chai syrup (made with a sugar substitute like stevia) and skip the egg white to keep it as simple as possible.

Keyword Chai Whiskey Sour, Cocktail

If you’re looking for a cocktail with a warm, spicy twist, let me show you how I make my Chai Whiskey Sour. From my own personal experience, this drink combines the boldness of whiskey with the comforting notes of chai tea, making it perfect for any occasion whether you’re cozying up in the colder months or just craving something different. Based on my overall experience, it’s one of those cocktails that surprises you with how versatile it is, pairing nicely with both savory dishes like roasted meats and desserts with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes on What to Expect

The Chai Whiskey Sour delivers a warm, spiced experience thanks to the chai syrup. The whiskey’s smokiness blends with the cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger of the chai, while the lemon juice brings in just the right amount of brightness. If you use the egg white or aquafaba, expect a silky, smooth texture that elevates the drink to the next level. The froth will sit on top, giving you that beautiful visual appeal, especially when dusted with a bit of cinnamon.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes (for brewing chai syrup)
• Time to stand: None
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Ease of cooking: Easy for beginners
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: Approx. 180 kcal per serving
• Cost of ingredients: $10–$15 (depending on your whiskey choice)

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Saucepan (for chai syrup)
• Muddler (optional)
• Rocks glass (or coupe glass for a fancier look)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful ##Chai Whiskey Sour  now.

Ingredients

For the Chai Whiskey Sour:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz chai syrup (recipe below)
• 1 egg white (optional for a frothy texture)
• Ice cubes

For the Chai Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tbsp loose-leaf chai)
• 1 cup sugar
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful ##Chai Whiskey Sour  now.

Method for Creating It

Step 1: Make the Chai Syrup

1. Boil the water: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Brew the tea: Remove from heat and steep 1 chai tea bag (or loose-leaf chai) in the hot water for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the sugar: After removing the tea, add 1 cup of sugar to the hot water and stir until dissolved. Let it cool. This chai syrup will add the spiced depth you need for the cocktail.

Step 2: Prepare the Whiskey Sour

1. Add the ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz of the chai syrup, and (optional) 1 egg white for a creamy, frothy texture.
2. Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white. This step helps to achieve that signature froth.
3. Add ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
4. Strain the drink: Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. You can also use a coupe glass if you’re serving it up (without ice).
5. Garnish: Top with a dusting of cinnamon or a lemon wheel to highlight the chai’s spice.

Variations, Tips, and Substitutions

• Vegan or Egg-Free Option: Skip the egg white or use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a plant-based substitute. It’ll give you the same frothy effect.
• Whiskey Choices: If you want a bolder flavor, go for rye whiskey. For a sweeter, smoother finish, bourbon is the way to go.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can swap out the white sugar in the chai syrup for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but in a delicious way.
• Make it a Mocktail: If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute the whiskey with strong-brewed black tea. You’ll still get a rich flavor profile, just minus the booze.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a low-carb version, use a sugar-free chai syrup (made with a sugar substitute like stevia) and skip the egg white to keep it as simple as possible.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful ##Chai Whiskey Sour  now.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbs: 15g
• Sugar: 13g (depends on the chai syrup)
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g (with egg white)
• Alcohol: ~15g (with whiskey)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too sour? If your cocktail is too tart, add an extra ½ oz of chai syrup or reduce the lemon juice by half an ounce.
• Not frothy enough? If you’re using egg white or aquafaba but aren’t getting the desired froth, make sure you dry shake (without ice) for at least 15 seconds before adding ice.
• Too strong? Feel free to reduce the whiskey to 1½ oz for a lighter version, especially if you’re serving this as an afternoon drink.

Versatility for Pairing

This cocktail’s bold flavors make it ideal for pairing with dishes that also have rich or spiced elements. Try serving it alongside BBQ dishes, Indian-inspired meals, or even pumpkin pie if you’re feeling festive. The chai spices will complement these flavors beautifully!

Now that you know how to make a Chai Whiskey Sour, I hope you’re inspired to try it out yourself! Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.