How to make chai syrup

Brew a strong cup of chai (two tea bags or 2 tsp loose chai in 1 cup water), then simmer with 1 cup sugar until dissolved. Cool and bottle. Short on time? Simmer store-bought chai concentrate with equal parts sugar. It keeps a week in the fridge.

Why stir instead of shake

Spirit-forward cocktails like the old fashioned are stirred, not shaken, to stay silky and clear. Shaking would aerate and cloud it. Stir until the outside of the mixing glass frosts, then strain over one large cube, which melts slowly and keeps the drink from watering down.

Best bourbon for a chai old fashioned

A high-rye bourbon like Bulleit adds pepper and spice that echo the chai. A wheated bourbon makes it softer and sweeter. Either works; avoid anything over 100 proof unless you want the heat to dominate the spice.

Make it ahead for a crowd

Batch bourbon, chai syrup, vanilla, and bitters at a 4:1 spirit-to-syrup ratio, add 15 percent water for dilution, chill, and pour over cubes to order. Garnish each with fresh orange peel.