A modern twist on the classic cocktail, this Chai Infused White Russian is a rich and creamy, cinnamon-spiced cocktail.

A chai infused white Russian cocktail in a tall glass garnished with a cinnamon stick.

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Between Friendsgiving celebrations, holiday open houses, Christmas parties, Hanukkah dinners and New Year’s Eve festivities, I figured we could all use an easy cocktail recipe for the season! While I love to serve batch cocktails at parties, like my Caribbean Rum Punch or Apple Cider Sangria, mixing individual drinks isn’t too bad when they are simple like my Chai Infused White Russian. The star of this modern spin on the classic cocktail is vodka that has been steeped with black chai tea bags.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

Uses only 4 simple ingredients.
Only takes about 5 minutes to make.
Creamy and infused with winter spices, it’s perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients

Chai black tea: Sweet and spicy black tea full of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Vodka: Usually clean and mostly flavorless, making it a great base for cocktails.
Coffee liqueur: A perfect mix of coffee and alcohol, my go-to is usually Kahlúa or Tia Maria.
Heavy cream: Gives the cocktail its creamy taste and texture, but you could also use milk or half and half.

How to Make a Chai Infused White Russian

Infusing tea bags in vodka in a pitcher.

Step 1. In a glass bowl or pitcher, infuse the chai in the vodka.

Step 2. After vodka is infused with chai, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until mixed. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

Hand holding a chai infused white Russian in a tall glass.

If you’re feeling a bit extra, you can garnish the drink with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. But regardless of how you serve it, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Chai Infused White Russian!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chai?

Chai is black tea that is flavored with warm spices including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, and nutmeg.

What is a white Russian?

A classic white Russian is made with vodka, coffee liquor, and cream. It’s traditionally served in an old fashioned glass.

How long does it take to infused vodka with spices?

It depends on the potency of the spices or herbs you are using. Some things only take minutes, while others you’ll want to let infuse for days or weeks. For this chair infused white Russian, the chai only needs to steep in the vodka for an hour or two.

The top of a chai infused white Russian, with cloves and cinnamon sticks in the background.

More Cocktails

Did you try this cocktail and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.

Simple enough you can make one just for yourself, or whip up many for your friends! You’ll be sure to enjoy my Chai Infused White Russian.

Your straw is waiting.