Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte

As the weather turns colder, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, spiced drink to cozy up with.

Enter the Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte—a delightful blend of bold chai spices, creamy milk, and a smooth bourbon kick that makes for the ultimate indulgence.

This drink combines the best of both worlds: the rich, warming flavors of chai and the depth of bourbon.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, winding down after dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is the perfect companion for those chilly autumn and winter nights.

P.S. In a hurry? Click the “Jump to Recipe” button to skip ahead to the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte

The Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte offers a perfect blend of flavors that is both warming and indulgent.

The bold chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg—infuse each sip with a cozy, aromatic feel, while the rich, smooth bourbon adds a warming depth that elevates the drink.

The creamy milk ties it all together, creating a velvety texture that’s truly comforting.

This latte strikes the ideal balance between spicy, sweet, and boozy, making it perfect for a relaxing evening by the fireplace or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it to guests, it’s sure to impress at any fall or winter gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte, you’ll need the following ingredients, which come together to create a beautifully spiced and creamy drink:

• 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate – for a strong, aromatic chai flavor base.
• 1 oz bourbon – a smooth, rich whiskey to add warmth and depth.
• 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk) – to create the creamy latte texture.
• 1 tbsp maple syrup – for a touch of natural sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of nutmeg – these spices enhance the chai’s warm, spiced profile.
• Whipped cream (optional) – for a luxurious and indulgent topping.
• Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon (optional garnish) – to add an elegant finish.

These ingredients combine to give your latte a perfect balance of warmth, creaminess, and spice, making it an irresistible treat for chilly days.

Expanded Ingredient Breakdown:

Chai tea concentrate: This is the foundation of the drink, providing bold flavors of black tea mixed with chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. You can use store-bought chai concentrate or brew your own by steeping chai tea and adding your own spices.

Bourbon: Adding bourbon gives this latte a rich, warming depth. The smoothness of the whiskey complements the chai spices, adding an adult twist to this otherwise classic chai latte. Adjust the amount of bourbon based on your preference for a stronger or milder drink.

Milk (or non-dairy alternative): The creamy texture of the latte comes from heated milk, but you can easily substitute with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. This adds richness and balances the boldness of the chai and bourbon.

Maple syrup: A touch of maple syrup sweetens the latte naturally while enhancing the warm, cozy flavor of the spices. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

Ground cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg: These spices boost the chai flavor and add a layer of warmth and complexity to the drink. They work in harmony with the chai concentrate and bourbon to elevate the spiced profile of the latte.

Whipped cream (optional): Topping your latte with whipped cream adds a decadent finish, making it feel even more indulgent. It pairs perfectly with the spices and enhances the creamy texture.

Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon (optional garnish): For a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of cinnamon flavor, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon. It adds a finishing touch that’s both elegant and flavorful.

How to Make the Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, warming Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte:

Brew the chai concentrate:

Start by brewing or heating up your chai tea concentrate. If you’re using store-bought concentrate, heat 1/2 cup in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

For a homemade version, steep 2 chai tea bags in 1/2 cup of hot water for about 5 minutes, then add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 1/8 tsp of cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg to infuse the spices.

Stir well, then remove the tea bags. This will give you a strong, spiced chai base for the latte.

Tip: For a more robust flavor, consider using loose-leaf chai tea and steeping it for a longer time, or use a stronger concentrate if you like a bolder chai flavor.

2. Heat the milk:

In a small saucepan, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk) over medium-low heat. Heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling.

If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk, creating a light, airy texture. Frothing the milk adds a smooth, creamy consistency that enhances the latte’s texture.

Tip: If you don’t have a frother, you can froth the milk by vigorously whisking it in the pan or shaking it in a heat-safe jar with the lid on before heating.

3. Mix in bourbon and sweetener:

In your favorite mug, pour the heated chai tea concentrate.

Add 1 oz of bourbon, stirring well to combine.

Next, stir in 1 tbsp of maple syrup to sweeten the drink.

You can adjust the sweetness to your liking—add a little more maple syrup for a sweeter drink or reduce the amount for a more balanced flavor.

Tip: For a smoother taste, use a higher-quality bourbon. The flavor of the bourbon can dramatically affect the final outcome, so opt for a smooth, rich bourbon that complements the chai spices.

4. Combine and serve:

Pour the hot milk into the mug with the chai-bourbon mixture, stirring gently to combine all the flavors.

If you frothed the milk, spoon the foam on top to create that classic latte look. The creamy milk balances the spicy chai and bourbon, creating a velvety, indulgent texture.

Optional garnish:

To elevate the presentation, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.

For added flavor and a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or garnish with a cinnamon stick. These simple garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add more warmth to the flavor.

For a slightly different flavor profile, try dusting a little nutmeg or cardamom on top along with the cinnamon to intensify the spice.

5. Enjoy

Enjoy your rich and creamy Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte as a cozy treat for those chilly fall and winter evenings!

Tips for Customizing Your Latte

This Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte is versatile, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Make it dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy non-dairy alternative. These plant-based options froth well and retain the rich texture.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup to suit your preference. If you like a bolder sweetness, try honey or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with spices: Intensify the chai flavors by adding extra ground cardamom, cloves, or ginger. You can even sprinkle in some black pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Non-alcoholic version: For a cozy daytime treat or for those avoiding alcohol, simply skip the bourbon and enjoy a delicious chai latte that’s perfect for any occasion.

Chai Spiced Bourbon Latte Recipe

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