As the leaves start to change and the crisp, cool breeze of fall fills the air, there’s no better time to embrace the season’s cozy vibes with a delicious and warming cocktail. If you’re a fan of fall flavors and the comforting embrace of a hot cup of chai, this is the drink for you! Today, we’re sipping on one of our faves: a seasonal combo that marries the rich, spiced warmth of chai with the sweet, tangy goodness of apple cider, all kicked up a notch with the robust notes of bourbon. Say hello to the Spiked Apple Chaider.
This cozy fall cocktail is the perfect marriage of two fall classics, chai and apple cider, with a bourbon twist that’ll warm your soul on a chilly evening. But what sets this cocktail apart and elevates it to a new level of deliciousness is the star ingredient: John’s Big Black Chai.
John’s Big Black Chai is our newest handcrafted chai blend that boasts an exquisite mix of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, and a symphony of other spices. It’s the ideal foundation for creating a flavorful and aromatic drink – it was blended by our cofounder John, on their search to find the perfect concentrated chai flavor for the ultimate chai latte. Using this bold blend, this cocktail captures the essence of autumn. If you’ve ever sipped on a cup of chai and felt its soothing, spiced embrace, you can imagine the magic it’ll bring to your cocktail.
Cofounder Nora has been making her own version of a chaider for several years, after discovering the cozy combo at a coffee shop she used to manage (IYKYK). After her first whiff of John’s Big Black Chai, we knew we had to create the Moody Teas chaider. If you’ve seen us at the farmer’s market lately, chances are you’ve seen the PG-13 version of this drink on our seasonal beverage menu. But this pair is perfect for a 21+ bevy with the addition of a little bourbon!
To make this warm and cozy cocktail, we’ll combine the deep, robust flavors of John’s Big Black Chai with apple cider, a hint of sweetness, and a generous dash of bourbon for that comforting, fiery kick. This Spiked Apple Chaider is going to be the definition of your autumn vibes, perfect for sipping by a crackling fire, sharing with friends at a cozy gathering, or just enjoying by yourself at the end of your perfect fall day.
So, if you’re ready to embrace the fall season in style and indulge in a truly cozy drink, look no further. Get your hands on some of John’s Big Black Chai and check below for the full recipe, where we’ll walk you through creating this Spiked Apple Chaider that’s sure to become a staple in your fall bevy line up. Get ready to warm up your autumn evenings with a little sip of perfection!
Spiked Apple Chaider
- 2 ounces ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 ounces ¼ cup John's Big Black Chai concentrate (Bring 2 tbsp of chai to a boil in 1 cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes. (Extra can be stored in fridge for up to 1 week, but we doubt it'll last that long))
- 1 ½ ounces 3 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- ½ tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 orange wedge
- 3 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 star anise (for the garnish (optional))
- Warm the apple cider and chai concentrate on the stove to around 200 degrees (very hot but not boiling).
- In the serving glass, stir together the bourbon and honey. Pour in the hot apple cider.
- Garnish with a orange wedge, squeezing in the juice, and the cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using).
To make a larger batch, use 2 cups each apple cider and chai concentrate, 1½ cups bourbon, and 4 tbsp of honey.
If you prefer, you can substitute spiced rum, or brandy, or even a flavored liquor (caramel apple