Chai Tai (a Chai Rum Cocktail)

(Note: this post was originally published on July 19, 2020. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)

Chai Tai Cocktail (A Fall Twist on the Mai Tai)

I’m excited to introduce you to a cozy fall cocktail with a twist: the "Chai Tai". This chai rum cocktail is a riff on the classic Mai Tai, bringing together sweet pineapple, tart cranberry, warming chai spices, and rum. If you’ve been searching for a festive chai cocktail to serve at Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering, make sure to bookmark this recipe.

Traditionally, a Mai Tai involves rum, orange curacao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat (which is a sweet and nutty almond syrup). Today, the Mai Tai is often interpreted as a layered cocktail that involves rum, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur, plus sometimes a dark rum float. Although far from classic, I've always enjoyed these layered "Mai Tai"-like drinks at beach bars.

In order to make a Mai Tai variation that feels appropriate for fall, I've kept the same structure but introduced new seasonal flavors and ingredients. This whimsical "Chai Tai" is cozy, bursting with warming spices, and guaranteed to be the centerpiece of a holiday meal.

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Chai Tai Cocktail Ingredients

I'm taking the Mai Tai concept and giving it a spicy, cozy spin with chai tea. The layers in this fall cocktail have flavors that complement the chai spices in a way that is subtly reminiscent of cranberry sauce. The bottom layer is cranberry juice. The middle layer is a mixture of pineapple juice, rum, chai tea, and a dash of orange liqueur. The top layer is a dark rum float, with hints of vanilla and spices.

Thanks to all those holiday flavors, this cozy cocktail is the perfect addition to a harvest celebration, Friendsgiving, or Thanksgiving. If you love the idea of a chai cocktail, then I think you'll also enjoy this Chaider Rum Punch. It's delicious, easy, and features a combination of apple cider, rum, and chai.

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Variation Using Chai Rum

As written, this Chai Tai recipe calls for using strongly brewed chai tea to get all those cozy spices into your drink. However, if you can get your hands on it, you can use chai-infused rum instead. In that case, use 1.5 oz of chai rum in place of the gold rum and omit the brewed chai tea.

The origin of this fall cocktail was actually a collaboration I did with my neighbors at Wild Hart Distillery (which, sadly, has since closed). They used to make a Chai Spiced Rum that was infused with warming spices. There are numerous other chai rums on the market though, which you might be able to find.

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How to Make a Layered Cocktail

Although layered cocktails can seem intimidating, they're simple to make as long as you use a light touch while pouring. Creating and maintaining the layers in this chai rum cocktail relies upon having liquids with different densities such that they want to sink or float relative to one another.

In this case, the cranberry juice has the highest sugar content and stays at the bottom. The pineapple juice and rum mixture is less dense and floats on top of the cranberry juice. The 80-proof dark rum is much less dense and floats on top. Those density differences are what keep this layered Chai Tai looking crisp and neat.

The only tricky piece is pouring each subsequent layer gently. Some mixologists prefer to pour the liquids over the back of a spoon to help them disperse and fall delicately into the cocktail.

Interested in other layered cocktails? If so, check out this whimsical Unicorn Cocktail, this unique Solar Eclipse Cocktail, this summery Mermaid Cocktail, this patriotic Red, White, and Blue July 4th Cocktail, this festive Thanksgiving Eve Dark and Stormy, and this brunch-appropriate Pineapple Express Cocktail.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this chai rum cocktail, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Cranberry juice
• Pineapple juice
• Gold rum. Or, see the section above for a variation that uses chai-spiced rum if you're able to find it.
• Chai tea. You'll want to brew the chai strongly, then let it cool fully before using.
• Orange liqueur. If you're a ginger fan, this would also work beautifully with a ginger liqueur such as Domain de Canton.
• Dark rum. This is not traditional in a Mai Tai, but many modern Mai Tai variations use it. A dark rum float makes this Chai Tai look especially elegant. You can omit it, however, if you want a less-strong drink.
• Garnishes. I've shown this chai cocktail garnished with a thinly-cut pineapple slice. Orange slices could be pretty too, particularly for winter. For Thanksgiving, try using a few sugared cranberries.

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Closing Thoughts

Have I convinced you that this is the perfect drink for fall? This chai cocktail really has it all: cozy spices, holiday-appropriate cranberry, wintry orange, sweet pineapple, festive vibes, beautiful colors, and some wow factor. I think it will be a big hit whenever and however you end up serving it.

Although it looks impressive and feels special, this holiday cocktail is easy to make. It would be a great addition to fall occasions like harvest dinners, Thanksgiving, or Friendsgiving. A signature cocktail makes any event feel more festive and special.

Cheers! I hope this seasonal, spicy, non-traditional Chai Tai brings some holiday flair to all your fall occasions.

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Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

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As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!

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Suggested Pairings

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Dressing

Raw Cranberry-Pomegranate Sauce

Wild Rice, Macadamia, and Fall Fruit Stuffing

Chai-Spiced Pear Crumble Bars