10 Chai Fall Pairings

10 Chai Fall Pairings

16th Oct 2024

Chai is a versatile base that pairs beautifully with various flavors, especially in the cozy, comforting context of fall. Here are some pairing ideas that would be perfect for the season:

1. Chai + Pumpkin Spice

  • Flavor Profile: Warming, sweet, spicy
  • Pairing Suggestions: Add a spoonful of pumpkin purée to your chai along with a dash of pumpkin pie or Leely Chai Baking Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove). Top with frothed milk and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

2. Chai + Maple Syrup

  • Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet, and earthy
  • Pairing Suggestions: Sweeten your chai with a hint of maple syrup instead of regular sugar. Finish with a splash of oat milk for a creamy, nutty balance.

3. Chai + Apple Cider

  • Flavor Profile: Tart, fruity, and spiced
  • Pairing Suggestions: Swap out half of the water or milk in your chai recipe with apple cider. The combination is both sweet and spicy, perfect for a fall afternoon.

4. Chai + Gingerbread

  • Flavor Profile: Deep molasses, spicy, and fragrant
  • Pairing Suggestions: Infuse your chai with molasses and a hint of ground ginger. Serve with a gingerbread cookie or top with whipped cream and a crushed gingersnap.

5. Chai + Vanilla + Cardamom

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, aromatic, and smooth
  • Pairing Suggestions: Add a splash of vanilla extract and extra ground cardamom to your chai. This combination pairs beautifully with a buttery shortbread cookie or a vanilla scone.

6. Chai + Hazelnut

  • Flavor Profile: Nutty, smooth, slightly sweet
  • Pairing Suggestions: Use a hazelnut milk base or add a dash of hazelnut syrup to your chai. This makes an excellent pairing with chocolate pastries or biscotti.

7. Chai + Cinnamon Orange

  • Flavor Profile: Citrusy, sweet, and spicy
  • Pairing Suggestions: Add a few strips of orange peel and an extra cinnamon stick to your chai. The orange brightens up the spices, making it a refreshing yet warming combination.

8. Chai + Salted Caramel

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, buttery
  • Pairing Suggestions: Stir in some caramel syrup and a pinch of sea salt. This chai variation is perfect as a dessert drink, best enjoyed with a caramel apple or pastry.

9. Chai + Pear & Brown Sugar

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, juicy, and spiced
  • Pairing Suggestions: Use a pear syrup or muddle ripe pear slices in your chai, then sweeten with brown sugar. Serve with a baked pear tart or a spiced cake.

10. Chai + Fig & Almond

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, and floral
  • Pairing Suggestions: Add a touch of fig syrup or muddled fresh figs and finish with almond milk or almond extract. A nutty biscotti or fig bar would complement this beautifully.

Which one of these ideas resonates most with your fall vibe?

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