Chai Syrup

1. Add the water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. 
2. Take off the heat and add chai tea bags. Steep the tea for 10 minutes and remove the tea bags. Squeeze as much tea out of the bag as possible.
3. Add cane sugar and bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Take the syrup off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Store the syrup in an airtight jar or a bottle in the fridge.

Chai Old Fashioned

1. Into a mixing glass add bourbon, chai syrup, orange bitters, and a handful of ice.
2. Stir everything together well with a cocktail spoon for a few seconds.
3. Strain the cocktail into a short glass filled with ice.
4. Top up the drink with sparkling water and garnish with orange zest and star anise if desired. Enjoy!