I couldn’t tell you when it was exactly, but I know where it happened. One fateful day several years ago The Sparrows changed my life.
I approached the counter that fine Fall day, with the intent of ordering a chai latte. As I placed my order the barista looked at me across the elevated counter and asked me if I had ever tried “chai-der” before. Though I had downed my fair share of chai based beverages I couldn’t say that chai-der was one of them; she convinced me to change my order and my life was never the same.
On Monday I shared a recipe for chai apple crisp, which was inspired by this very beverage, so in a sense the world is coming full circle and you have a barista from Grand Rapids Michigan to thank for it.
-CHAIDER-
What you will need:
Equal parts Oregon Chai tea and fresh Cider (the real stuff, not that shit that looks like juice, it needs to be mirky and wonderful, not clear)
1 cinnamon stick
Place all ingredients into a small sauce pot and simmer until a gentle boil erupts. Pour into a mug (try not to burn your tongue) and feel the Fall vibes wash over your entire body. If you really want to change the game, serve with ginger molasses cookies (mind bending).
If you are feeling twirly add a bit of spiced rum, it is a tasty treat (this girl fought with The Captan once… he won… so I will not be joining you in this endeavor, as delicious as it may be).
Sip while reading a good book. Sip next to a fire. Sip with a friend, a lover, or your mother… it doesn’t matter, just sip and enjoy.
The memories of sitting, nestled in an over sized chair next to the steam coated windows in the front of The Sparrows, with grey skies blanketing the city, and my mind lost in the romance of it all, is held in this cup. Perhaps I should have another.
xx
