Chai is spicy, sweet and slowly making it’s way into our drinks. It’s being brewed in beer, infused in spirits and adding a zesty twist to our cocktails that we can’t ignore. We see you Chai, and we’re excited.
You’ve probably seen it on a Starbucks menu, as Chai is black tea brewed with spices like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. Doesn’t exactly sound like something you’d put in your booze, but you’d be surprised.
For years, brewers have been adding the flavor to their beers. Most notably, Chai Cream Ale from SLO Organics and Sah’tea from Dogfish Head. And though the major players in the spirits world haven’t caught on yet, plenty of small names are infusing Chai in their spirits. Single Silo Chai Vodka debuted last fall followed shortly by Seraphine Chai Tea Vodka. Quite the coincidence. Not to mention, last month BlackMask Spiced Pacific Rum announced the first ever Chai rum on the market.
With these Chai beers and spirits, the flavor is bound to make its way into our cocktails. Try an Intrepid Traveler or a Ruby Chai Appletini if you’re looking to experiment with the flavor. If you’re already a Chai lover, we suggest Masala Chai Punch.
Would you drink a Chai flavored spirit or would you rather save that flavor for your tea?