Vanilla Chai Sour

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Here in Seattle, the fall season is in full effect, meaning it’s the time for pumpkin spice and chai lattes. As I’m sure many of you know, I love creating cocktails that are inspired by the seasons. Fall is one of my favorite seasons to take inspiration from because there are so many iconic flavors to work with! The Vanilla Chai Sour is one of my most unique recipes to date and I’m so happy with the way it turned out. While you see the finished product here, a lot of trial and error goes into making the perfect cocktail recipe to enjoy and share.

The Vanilla Chai Sour is a very unique variation of a classic sour cocktail, and it’s absolutely bursting with flavor.

Let’s get into the build of this stunning drink!

Spiced rum is the secret ingredient that changes the game. Sure, you could settle for any dark rum, but spiced rum in particular adds a warm and slightly sweet note. It has hints of spices like cinnamon and clove, which are reminiscent of fall.

This is a recipe that was inspired by one of my favorite fall drinks to sip on: chai. This spiced tea is a blend of black tea and various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Chai introduces an exotic and aromatic layer to the cocktail, enhancing the warmth from the spiced rum. As this is a recipe with such distinct flavors, it’s important they blend together well!

In my opinion, there’s nothing like a vanilla-based sweetener to brighten things up. The vanilla almond simple syrup brings sweetness and a rich, nutty flavor. The vanilla adds a smooth, creamy touch, balancing out the spiced rum and chai.

A sour cocktail isn’t complete without some citrus. The lime juice cuts through the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients, adding a refreshing zing that brightens up the drink. Speaking of zing, salt has a magical way of balancing sweetness and enhancing the overall taste profile of the drink. Just a pinch of kosher salt is enough to elevate the flavors of the cocktail.

Once everything above is shaken together with ice and poured in a chilled coupe glass, simply sprinkle some nutmeg on top of the cocktail mixture. Nutmeg is warm and slightly sweet, with a hint of woodiness, making it the perfect spice to complement the flavors in the Vanilla Chai Sour.

Step 1: Combine spiced rum with chai and vanilla simple syrup, lime juice, kosher salt in a shaker.

Step 2: Fill with ice and shake for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Strain and top with fresh grated nutmeg

The Vanilla Chai Sour is a cocktail that embodies the warmth and richness of fall, yet it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed no matter the season. This is a cocktail that is filled with flavor to say the least, so mix it up next time you’re in the mood to sip on something new and unique!