Chai Margarita Recipe + Homemade Chai Syrup for Cocktails

Rhino is getting ready for an upcoming bridal shower mixology class, and the theme is Champagne & Chai! 🥂🐘

On the menu? A French 77 and a Chai Margarita. But first, Rhino needs one very important ingredient for his margarita: homemade chai syrup!

Luckily, Lucy is here to help. 🐙🌿

She's brewing up a batch of her herbal chai blend with cinnamon, ginger, green cardamom, allspice, cloves, and black pepper. A little hot water, a French press, and some sugar later, and we've got homemade chai syrup ready for cocktail hour!

The result? A sweet, warming syrup with aromatic chai spices that pairs beautifully with tequila and fresh lime. It's an easy way to give a classic margarita a little extra alchemy.

Homemade Chai Syrup Recipe

This homemade chai syrup is easy to prepare and makes a flavorful addition to margaritas and other creative cocktails. All you need is your favorite chai blend, hot water, and sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp herbal chai blend
• 1¼ cups water, heated to 210°F
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  

(Photo by Rhino + Lucy.)

How to Make Chai Syrup

1. Add the chai blend to a French press.
2. Pour in the hot water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Press and strain the chai infusion into a saucepan.
4. Add the sugar and heat gently, stirring until dissolved and the mixture is nearly boiling.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
6. Transfer to a clean glass jar and refrigerate.

Storage: Keep refrigerated in a clean, sealed container and use within one month. Discard if you notice any changes in smell, appearance, or texture.

Tip from Lucy: This spiced syrup isn't just for margaritas! Try adding a splash to other tequila cocktails or experimenting with it in your own seasonal creations.

🎥 Want to see Rhino + Lucy make it?

Rhino's Chai Margarita

Now for the main event! This chai margarita combines the warmth of chai spices with bright lime, smooth reposado tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur. A little agave balances everything out for a cocktail that's citrusy, spiced, and perfect for fall celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 oz reposado tequila
• 1 oz homemade chai syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz Cointreau
• ½ oz agave syrup
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

How to Make It

1. Add the tequila, chai syrup, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake for 10–15 seconds, until well chilled.
3. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Want to make it your own? Try a cinnamon-sugar rim for an extra hint of spice, or adjust the agave to suit your preferred balance of sweet and tart.

Let's Make Some Magic Together

We can't wait to shake these up next week! From sparkling French 77s to chai-spiced margaritas, a little creativity can turn a mixology class into a memorable experience.

At Rhino + Lucy, we bring Tiki-inspired cocktails, botanical ingredients, and hands-on mixology to private parties, bridal showers, and special events throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Cheers to a little chai, a little champagne, and a whole lot of magic! 🥂✨