The Delight of the Night cocktail is a decadent blend of toasted marshmallow-infused bourbon, creamy chai half and half, and a hint of brown sugar cold brew syrup. It’s a shaken cocktail that brings together comforting winter flavors, creating a luscious harmony of sweetness, spice, and subtle coffee notes. We shared this drink on our Instagram, but the recipe is actually from Joshua from the @a_few_drinks_behind channel.
Served over ice and topped with toasted marshmallows, this delightful drink pairs beautifully with chilly evenings by the fireplace or as a memorable after-dinner treat. Each sip offers layers of warmth and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for those who love dessert-like cocktails that still feel elegantly balanced.
The process may take a bit more time than your standard pour-and-mix—especially with the bourbon infusion. But the results are undeniably worth the effort. The aroma of toasted marshmallows, the spicy complexity of chai, and the smooth touch of cold brew unite to deliver a truly enchanting sipping experience.
Quick facts about the Delight of the Night cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Flavor profile: Sweet, creamy, spiced, with subtle coffee notes
- How to serve it: In a rocks glass, over fresh ice, garnished with toasted marshmallows
- Glassware: Rocks glass
- Alcohol content: ~15% ABV
Ingredients
- 2 oz Toasted Marshmallow-Infused Bourbon: This deliciously infused bourbon adds a rich, caramelized sweetness and depth.
- 2.5 oz Chai Tea Half and Half: Brings cozy, spiced creaminess.
- 0.75 oz Cold Brew Brown Sugar Syrup: Adds bold sweetness and subtle coffee notes.
- Toasted Marshmallows (for garnish): Provides a playful finish and aromatic delight.
Required Bartending Tools
- Cocktail Shaker: To properly mix and chill the cocktail.
- Hawthorne Strainer: Ensures a smooth, debris-free pour.
- Jigger: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Additionally: The tools for making the infused bourbon, cold brew syrup, and chai tea half and half.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Cocktail
- Add infused bourbon, chai half and half, and cold brew syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
- Garnish with toasted marshmallows and serve immediately.
How to make marshmallow-infused bourbon
Infuse the bourbon by filling a canning jar halfway with toasted marshmallows, then fill ¾ with bourbon. Seal and heat at 130°F (50°C) for about 1 hour until marshmallows dissolve. Double-strain, cool, and strain again.
Guide to making Chai tea half and half
Prepare the chai half and half by steeping two chai tea bags in 8 oz (250ml) half and half overnight (about 8 hours).
Cold brew brown sugar syrup recipe
Combine equal parts cold brew concentrate and brown sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then double-strain. Let the syrup cool down before storing it in the fridge for later use.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Toasted marshmallow-infused bourbon - See instructions in notes.
- 2.5 oz Chai tea half and half - See instructions in notes.
- 0.75 oz Cold brew brown sugar syrup - See instructions in notes.
- 2 Toasted marshmallows - for garnish
Instructions
- Add infused bourbon, chai half and half, and cold brew syrup to a shaker with ice.
Notes
- Infuse the bourbon: Fill a canning jar halfway with toasted marshmallows, then fill ¾ with bourbon. Seal and heat at 130°F (50°C) for about 1 hour until marshmallows dissolve. Double-strain, cool, and strain again.
- Prepare the chai half and half: Steep two chai tea bags in 8 oz (250ml) half and half overnight (about 8 hours).
- Make the cold brew syrup: Combine equal parts cold brew concentrate and brown sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then double-strain.
FAQs
Yes, but the toasted marshmallow infusion is key to the drink’s unique flavor. Without it, you’ll miss the signature sweetness.
Absolutely. Try using a creamy oat or coconut creamer infused with chai tea for a similar texture and flavor.
Yes. Both the infused bourbon and the cold brew syrup can be prepared a day or two ahead and stored chilled.
It’s perfect for cooler months, as the flavors are warm and comforting.