Spiced Simple Syrup

Use this simple syrup to sweeten and add a bit of spice to your cocktails.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
5-6 whole cloves
2 star anise pods
4 cinnamon sticks
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced thin
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
6 cardamom pods, crushed

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat water and sugar, stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Add cloves, anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, and cardamom pods; bring to a light boil.

2. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for about 1 hour. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Chai Martini (Vodka)

Wonderful to serve with dessert, this delicious chai is sure to warm your soul!

Ingredients

4 ounces chai tea
2 ounces vanilla flavored vodka
Splash of cream
1 ½ ounces spiced syrup (recipe above)

Blend all ingredients with ice. Shake and pour. Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.

Chai Martini (Cognac)

This version features cognac as the star ingredient.

Ingredients

4 ounces chai tea
2 ounces cognac
Splash of cream
1 ½ ounces spiced simple syrup

Combine the chai, cognac and simple syrup in a pan, then heat gently. Once warmed, take off the heat and let rest for one to two minutes. Serve warm in a mug.

Dirty Chai Nightcap

Combine the best of chai and coffee in this versatile recipe. Vodka works well, but feel free to use bourbon instead for different taste.

Ingredients

4 chai tea bags
1 cup filtered water
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 ounces espresso, cooled
1 cup milk
4 ounces vodka
handful ice
star anise, garnish

Directions

1. Heat the water to almost boiling and steep the tea for 4 minutes. Discard the tea bags {or loose tea} and stir in the maple syrup. Set aside to cool.

2. In a shaker, combine the cooled chai and espresso, milk, vodka and ice.

3. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with star anise.

Mango Mojito

Try this mojito with a tropical twist! Mango adds a sweetness to this already delicious drink.

Ingredients

Handful of small mint leaves
½ lime, cut into wedges
½ fresh mango, cut into chunks
1 bottle of Soda water
1 ½ ounces light rum
1 ounce simple syrup

Directions

1. Place the lime wedges, mint leaves and sugar a pitcher. Muddle until sugar has dissolved.

2. Add in the fresh mango chunks and muddle once again.

3. Add rum.

4. Fill glasses with ice and mojito. Top glass off with chilled soda and stir.

5. Garnish with lime wedge and sprig of mint.

Variation: Muddle chopped cilantro in with the fresh mint leaves for a fresh taste that complements the sweetness of the mango.