There’s nothing like a glass of the finest whiskey or a cozy cup of chai to warm up a cold winter’s day. But what if you can have both?
Disclaimer: Whiskey purists, keep away.
If you’re looking to amp your winter cocktails game though, you’ve come to the right place! The Kyndal Group, a leading premium alcobev company has come up with the intoxicatingly delicious idea of marrying whiskey and chai in some fun cocktails. Known for providing brands like The Macallan, Cutty Sark, The Famous Grouse, and Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum across India and The Middle East, they know their whiskey like the back of their hand.
So what better nod to the fine spirit than celebrating the spirit of the festive season? These chai-whiskey recipes are super easy to whip up whilst still meeting all the complexities that enhance a cocktail. Paired with appetizers of your choice at a party, or a book that you’d long been meaning to get to – it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
Suggested read: Italian wine masterclass with sommelier Gaurav Dixit
Hot Single Malt
Ingredients
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp black peppercorn
- 10 cloves
- 1 tbsp loose black tea
- Sugar, to taste
- 2 oz The Macallan 12 YO double cask
Method
- Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash 7 fresh mint leaves, 1 lemon half (quartered lengthwise), and 1 tbsp simple syrup honey syrup in a 16-oz. mixing glass or a cocktail shaker.
- Shake 4–5 times just to release juices and oils. Add 1/4 cup of The Macallan 12 YO double cask.
- Transfer to an Old Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Spice Squared
Ingredients
- 10 black peppercorns
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp loose black tea
- 10 cloves
- A pinch of chilli powder
- 2 oz Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum
Method
- Heat all ingredients except for the Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum in two cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Strain the heated chai into a cup. While still hot, add Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum and mix.
- This cocktail can be served hot or allowed to cool and served over ice. This mix is spicy. If you’re feeling adventurous, use one small full red chili cut into small rings and add three of them into the cocktail.
Dirty Chai White Russian
Ingredients
- 3 oz of The Macallan 12 YO double cask
- 1 tea bag chai spice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 3 oz Irish cream
- 1 tbsp espresso
- Cinnamon stick, to garnish
- Star anise, to garnish
- Pumpkin spice, to garnish
Method
- Pour The Macallan 12 YO double cask into a sealable jar. Add the chai spice tea bag. Cover and let steep for 1-2 hours. Remove the tea bag.
- Add the Irish Cream, maple syrup, and ice to the tea mixture. Put the lid on and shake well.
- Fill a clean glass with ice. Pour espresso into each glass. Strain whisky mixture on top.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Dirty Chai Martini with Maple and Pink Himalayan Salt
Ingredients
- 4 chai tea bags
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp pink Himalayan salt
- 2 oz espresso
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 4 oz Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum
- A handful of ice
- Star anise, to garnish
Method
- Heat the water till its almost boiling and steep the tea for 4 minutes. Discard the tea bags, and add in the maple syrup and salt. Stir to combine and set to the side to cool.
- Meanwhile make 2 ounces of espresso and set that aside to cool.
- Combine in a shaker the cooled chai, espresso, milk, Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum and ice.
- Strain into 4 martini glasses, and garnish with star anise.
Sparkling Chai Tea Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ground cardamom
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 chai tea bags
- 3 cups ginger ale
- 1 cup Macallan 12 YO double cask
Method
- Mix sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and nutmeg together in a small bowl.
- Boil 4 cups of hot water and add tea bags. Add ½ cup chai sugar to the tea and mix until dissolved. Let the tea get lukewarm before removing the tea packets and placing in the fridge to chill for one hour.
- Rim 6 glasses with an orange slice and dip in the chai sugar.
- Add 3 cups ginger ale to the tea and pour over ice.
- Add 1 cup of Macallan 12 YO double cask
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup dark chocolate
- ½ cup milk chocolate
- Cinnamon powder
- 3 oz Famous Grouse blended Scotch
- A garnish of your choice – we recommend whipped cream, marshmallows, or just a dusting of cinnamon.
Method
- Place the milk in a saucepan and heat at a low temperature, stirring frequently. When the milk begins to bubble and steam, reduce the heat and add the chocolate and a large dash of cinnamon.
- Stir until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is creamy. Add the Famous Grouse blended Scotch. Enjoy!
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