Chaider

You know chai tea. You know apple cider. But when you put them together, chaider is their celebrity couple name. This homemade drink is so iconic that I’d even venture to call it the Bennifer or Tomdaya of fall drinks.

This recipe starts with a from-scratch chai concentrate that brings a deep, warming spice to your cup, while apple cider adds sweetness and orchard-fresh flavor. Together, they create a mug that tastes like peak autumn coziness with just a hint of drama. Serve it at the pumpkin patch, while watching horror-movie marathons or any night during sweater weather. It also plays surprisingly well with bourbon, rum or Irish whiskey if you’re looking for a delicious fall cocktail recipe.

Ingredients for Chaider

• Homemade chai concentrate: This bold base blends whole cloves for warmth, whole peppercorns for subtle heat, black tea bags for depth, sugar for balance, ground ginger for zing and a cinnamon stick for sweet spice. Together, these ingredients create chai tea: the rich, aromatic backbone of this chaider recipe. If you want a shortcut, you can use a store-bought chai concentrate the same way you might in our chai tea latte recipe.
• Apple cider: Fresh apple cider brings a natural sweetness and a fruity brightness that are the perfect complement to chai spices.
• Optional garnishes: Whipped cream, ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks elevate every mug to cozy cafe status. They add texture and aroma, and they make your chaider feel extra-festive.

Directions

Step 1: Make the homemade chai concentrate

Place the cloves and peppercorns in a medium saucepan and lightly crush them with a wooden spoon handle until their aromas are released.

Add the tea bags, sugar, ginger, cinnamon stick and water, then bring everything to a boil. Remove the tea bags.

Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups, about 15 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: If you love a strong chai flavor, let the spices steep an extra couple of minutes before straining—just as you would when making bold chai tea.

Step 2: Strain and cool

Strain the tea and discard the spices. Let the chai concentrate cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Step 3: Combine to make chaider

To make the chaider, combine your chai concentrate and apple cider in a small saucepan until heated through. Pour the mixture into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sticks.

Chaider Variations

• Spike the drink: Making the chaider into a bourbon cocktail gives it deep caramel and vanilla notes that melt right into the warm spices. Spiced rum makes the drink taste a little tropical—think cinnamon, allspice and molasses with an autumn sweater thrown over its shoulders. Irish whiskey is lighter and fruitier, so it keeps the drink smooth without overpowering the chai’s bold spices. And homemade apple brandy is the ultimate fall flex, doubling down on the orchard flavor with a rich, boozy apple backbone that makes the cider taste even brighter.
• Make a maple chai concentrate: Swap in real maple syrup for the sugar in your chai base. It introduces a richer sweetness that complements both the spices and the cider.
• Try adding vanilla: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the warm chaider recipe for a creamier, dessert-like finish.
• Bring on the bubbles: Mix your chai with sparkling apple cider, ginger ale or even a splash of Prosecco for a fizzy, festive cocktail.

How to Store Chaider

Chaider stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator once it has cooled. If possible, keep the chai concentrate and cider separate until you’re ready to reheat so the flavors stay bright and fresh. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How long does chaider last?

Prepared chaider lasts for about three to four days when stored in the refrigerator. The chai concentrate lasts up to three days on its own if you keep it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, store the chai base separately from the cider for maximum freshness before heating.

Chaider Tips

How can you make a batch of chaider?

To make a batch of chaider, simply increase the recipe based on the size of your gathering. As with slow-cooker apple cider, you can add everything to a slow cooker on the warm setting, allowing guests to ladle out mugs throughout the night. You can make it for a potluck spread of slow-cooker recipes, with slow-cooker dips and other holiday party appetizers, or lean into the apple flavor and make an array of apple desserts.