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Iced Bourbon Chai cocktail topped with a cinnamon stick

Craving a cocktail that blends cozy fall vibes with a refreshing twist? Try this Iced Bourbon Chai! Smooth bourbon meets the warm spices of chai tea and creamy milk, perfectly chilled for a unique seasonal sip. Ideal for fall gatherings or a quiet evening in – it’s a must-try for bourbon lovers and chai enthusiasts alike.

As the season continues to transition and the days grow crisper, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cocktail that bridges the gap between summer refreshment and fall warmth. Enter the Iced Bourbon Chai — a drink that combines the smooth, smoky notes of bourbon with the spiced richness of chai tea, finished with creamy, refreshing milk. Think of it as an iced chai latte with a twist!

Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this cocktail delivers the perfect balance of bold flavors and seasonal comfort. One sip of this drink will transport you to a place where warmth and chill coexist beautifully in a glass.

Let’s dive into the recipe for this autumnal drink!

Everything You Need to Make an Iced Bourbon Chai:

Bourbon: You can use whatever brand of bourbon you prefer for this cocktail! As a non-bourbon girly, I have found Woodford Reserve to be the most approachable bourbon that tastes the best in homemade cocktails, so that is usually what I use. I also like that it is high-quality yet still relatively affordable, so we always keep a bottle stocked in our liquor cabinet. (Right now, we have the giant bottle from Costco!)
Chai Concentrate or Chai Syrup: I love to make my own chai simple syrup by steeping a few chai tea bags, then boiling the tea with honey, vanilla extract and cinnamon sticks (recipe below.) It is super easy to make on your own (and will make your house smell divine,) however, chai concentrate from the grocery store works great too. I use this spiced chai black tea concentrate from Trader Joe’s all the time!
Milk: I love to use whole milk for this cocktail because it makes it extra creamy and takes the bite out of the bourbon. Once shaken, it also leaves a nice foam on top just like a chai latte from a coffee shop! But of course, you can use whatever kind of milk you prefer.
Ice: Regular ice cubes work just fine, but if you want to level up your presentation, try using a whiskey ice ball or cube.

Iced Bourbon Chai cocktails topped with a cinnamon stick

How to Make an Iced Bourbon Chai:

Prep Your Glass: To prepare your glass, run water around the rim of the glass, then rub the edge of the glass in a bowl of cinnamon sugar. –
Shake: Add ice, bourbon, chai concentrate and milk to a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake for 30 seconds.
Strain, Garnish & Serve: Strain cocktail into prepared bourbon glass filled with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving a Crowd

If you’re planning to serve this cocktail for guests, I would recommend prepping your glasses ahead of time. These drinks are best served on the spot to keep that nice foam at the top, but luckily, they are super simple to shake up! To be as efficient as possible, I would recommend mixing them two at a time in a cocktail shaker.

Cocktail Tools

The cocktails seen here are served in my favorite double old-fashioned glasses from Crate and Barrel! I also love to use a chic gold cocktail shaker like this one and have a set of gold bar tools similar to these, which include a jigger and strainer. Check out my full collection of recommended bar tools and glasses.

Please let me know if you try this recipe by leaving a comment and rating! If you’re looking for more cozy seasonal cocktail recipes, try my Cranberry Aperol Spritz or Dirty Chai Martini.