Twisted Path Chai Vodka
Twisted Path Chai — bottled by the Milwaukee distillery as Chai Liqueur, though the listing title says "Vodka" — is an 80-proof (40% ABV), 25-Brix chai-spiced liqueur made by diluting high-proof alcohol with sweetened, freshly brewed chai tea. The official recipe: fresh brewed black tea, spices, and organic evaporated cane juice — no flavorings, colorings, or preservatives — and the distillery's own line: "Twisted Path Chai is literally real, brewed organic chai, but at 40% alcohol." The nose is warming cinnamon, anise, and cardamom — "all the usual suspects in a traditional chai." It began as founder Brian Sammons's gift for his wife Laura, built from her homemade chai recipe at Twisted Path Distillery (2018 S. 1st St., Lincoln Warehouse, Milwaukee, WI), and released in October 2019. Organic and gluten-free. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof); 25 Brix
- Size: 750mL
- Identity: chai-spiced LIQUEUR per the brand (not a vodka) — sweetened brewed chai + high-proof alcohol
- Ingredients: fresh brewed black tea, spices (cinnamon, anise, cardamom), organic evaporated cane juice; nothing artificial
- Origin: Twisted Path Distillery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; organic, gluten-free; released Oct 2019
Real Chai, at 40% Alcohol
Most "chai vodkas" are flavored vodka. This is the opposite: real brewed chai — black tea and spices steeped in hot water, sweetened with organic cane juice — used to cut high-proof spirit down to 80 proof. Brian Sammons built it from his wife Laura's homemade chai recipe after the steep-in-alcohol and re-distilling attempts failed; the hot-water steep won. The result pours like dessert and drinks like a winter market: cinnamon, anise, cardamom, black tea. Explore more from Twisted Path and our liqueur collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: warming cinnamon, anise, cardamom. Palate: real brewed black tea, organic cane sweetness, traditional chai spice. Finish: sweet, spiced, lingering.
How to Enjoy
Over ice with cream or oat milk for a boozy chai latte; a shot in hot coffee; or neat as an after-dinner pour. Find more dessert pours in our cocktail-ready spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twisted Path Chai a vodka or a liqueur?
A liqueur, per the distillery — it is bottled as "Chai Liqueur" and made by diluting high-proof alcohol with sweetened brewed chai (25 Brix). The "Vodka" in the listing title comes from retailer naming.
What is in it?
Fresh brewed black tea, chai spices (cinnamon, anise, cardamom), organic evaporated cane juice, and high-proof alcohol — no flavorings, colorings, or preservatives.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes — the distillery's spirits are certified organic and gluten-free.
Real brewed chai at 40% alcohol — order Twisted Path Chai online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.