It seems like just a few weeks ago I was rounding up summer cocktails and now it’s October? While it’s always sad to see summer go, welcome to Fall and all the wonderful flavors, scents and colors that come with it! This Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni is really something special. I knew it 5 years ago when I created it and I’m so excited to share it with a larger audience today!

A Great Fall Cocktail Flavor: Chai Tea

Chai Tea is a long time favorite of mine, and Starbucks too, as their Chai Tea Latte is always a fan favorite. Here is how they describe it, and since I can’t outdo Starbucks copy editors today, here you go, straight from the source:

The warm, aromatic flavors of chai tea have their roots in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition of India, where roadside tea merchants can be found preparing black tea with traditional healing spices like cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper. Featuring ingredients gathered from around the globe, our version of this beloved beverage is wonderfully sweet and spicy – and every bit as soothing.”

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte

A Bit About Calories

And while Chai Tea, when brewed from a tea bag in water has no calories, these tasty-tea-treats have 240! And there’s not even any booze in there. I am not exactly sure what is in the mix they use, but through some trial and error, I was able to replicate the creamy and comforting taste we love, but as a SkinnyTini and for half the calories!

A Word of Martini Caution

For the most part, if you can’t see through a martini, you should not drink it (unless it’s a SkinnyTini of course). The delicious alcohols that are used in creamy martinis, like Baileys, Kaluah, Butterscothch liqueurs and Cream de Menthe are caloric nightmares with very little boozy RIO. Meaning that for about 120 calories per ounce, you get only about 20% alcohol. That’s a lot of sugar filling the gap there, which can actually be a worse headache culprit than the booze itself.

Meet the Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni

Skinny ChaiTini

Let me introduce you to the Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni, a wonderful Fall Cocktail! It is one of the original SkinnyTinis, meaning it is actually featured in the book “SkinnyTinis — All the Fun for Half the Calories!” I slipped it in at the very last minute because its rich, creamy, unique taste could simply not be left out!

Skinny Chai Tea-ni Recipe:

  • 2 ounces strongly brewed Numi Golden Chai
  • 2 ounces Smirnoff Vanilla vodka
  • 1-ounce sugar free coffee creamer

Directions:

  1. Triple steep the tea. Use 3 Chai Tea Bags to your standard 6 oz water. Be sure the tea is cooled before shaking. Numi makes a great golden chai that works great.
  2. Add the tea, vodka  and coffee creamer to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 to 15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a 5-ounce martini glass.
  4. Garnish with 1 tea bag.

Calories: 150 for 5 oz martini

Cheers and enjoy this satisfying and comforting Fall Cocktail!

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The post Fall Cocktail Recipe: The Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni appeared first on Eat. Drink & be Skinny!.