cocktail-vanilla-chai-800

Vanilla Chai Whiskey Sour

The Vanilla Chai Whiskey Sour is a cozy sour with enough citrus to keep it from feeling heavy. Chai syrup brings cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and tea-like warmth, while vanilla smooths the edges and bourbon gives the drink its foundation. It is made for cool nights, dessert-adjacent sipping, and anyone who likes spice without sacrificing balance.

Vanilla Chai Whiskey Sour

A warming bourbon sour with vanilla, chai spice, lemon, and a smooth optional foam.

GlassRocks glass
MethodShaken
Serves1
ProfileSpiced, creamy, citrus-bright

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz vanilla chai syrup
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup, optional
  • 1 egg white or 1/2 oz aquafaba, optional
  • Fresh grated nutmeg or cinnamon, for garnish

Method

  1. Add bourbon, lemon juice, vanilla chai syrup, optional simple syrup, and egg white or aquafaba to a shaker.
  2. Dry shake without ice for 10 seconds if using egg white or aquafaba.
  3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon.

Whiskey Scene Notes

The key is restraint with the chai syrup. Too much spice can flatten the bourbon, while a smaller measure lets the whiskey, lemon, vanilla, and tea notes move together.

Prefer a zero-proof pour? Visit our companion site, The Brixyard, for non-alcoholic cocktail inspiration.

WS

Pour Notes

A refined note from Whiskey Scene with bottle picks, tasting ideas, new stories, and occasional collector-minded observations.

Newsletter Signup

No noise. Just thoughtful pours.

Build Your Palate

Explore tasting notes, flavor cues, and simple ways to approach a pour with more confidence.

Contribute to Whiskey Scene

Whiskey Scene welcomes thoughtful contributors and creative collaborators with a polished point of view on whiskey, cocktails, cigars, collecting, and modern drinking culture.

Partner with Whiskey Scene

Tasteful placement opportunities for brands, makers, and aligned partners looking to connect with a thoughtful whiskey audience.

Customize consent preference

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to personalize content, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our analytics partners. You can change your preferences at any time. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.