The Chai Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety cocktail that fuses the deep intensity of espresso with the warm, aromatic spices of a spiced chai. This creates the perfect balance of bold coffee notes, cozy spices, and smooth, slightly sweet liqueur. If you love a classic espresso martini but want something with a bit more depth and complexity, this creamy chai-spiced version is exactly what you're looking for.
The espresso martini was first created in the 1980s as an elegant pick-me-up cocktail that has made it's waves again in the 2020s. Adding chai spices to make a Chai Espresso Martini, aka Dirty Chai-tini, is one of my favorite ways to batch an impressive cocktail for guests.
Chai, which means "tea" in Hindi, has been a staple in Indian households for decades. Masala Chai blends black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger which now has its own rendition in the west as chai concentrate to make a chai latte. By infusing these flavors into an espresso martini, you get a uniquely comforting yet energizing drink that's perfect for any occasion.
This Chai Espresso Martini is rich, smooth, and just sweet enough-with layers of cozy spices and a shot of espresso. It's an espresso martini that feels familiar yet elevated, with the kind of aromatic warmth that lingers beautifully after each sip. Best of all, it's easy to batch for parties or prep ahead for a night in.
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Why You'll love this Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and balanced - The smooth espresso and coffee liqueur blends beautifully with the balanced homemade chai concentrate. Sweet, bitter, and the fragrant chai spice flavors come together harmoniously.
- Perfect for any occasion - Whether it's a holiday party, a casual night in, or long summer nights.
- Make-ahead friendly - Batch the chai concentrate or even the whole cocktail in advance for parties. Just make sure to shake each serving for the foamy top
- Customizable with dairy-free or alcohol-free options.
If you love this, you'll also love a Chai White Russian!
Ingredients - Notes and Substitutions
- Espresso - Freshly brewed espresso works best, but strong cold brew concentrate can be a substitute. It just may not result in the iconic foamy top.
- Chai Concentrate - Store-bought chai concentrate is convenient, but you can make your own at home with my Chai Concentrate recipe. You can also make a Chai Liqueur which infuses vodka or a Chai Syrup.
- I like my martini to have a stronger chai flavor, so I use up to 2 ounces of chai concentrate.
- Coffee Liqueur - Kahlúa or Tia Maria add extra depth; for a less sweet version, opt for Mr Black.
- Vodka - Use a high-quality vodka for a smooth taste.
- Cream Liqueur - Use a cream liqueur like Baileys or Rumchata for a creamy finish. Adding a cream liqueur or milk makes it basically a boozy Dirty Chai Latte.
- Sweetener - Adjust sweetness with simple syrup or maple syrup if desired
- If your chai concentrate is sweetened, and you're using something like Kahlúa (which is already sweet), you do not need simple syrup. The drink will be perfectly balanced.
- If your chai concentrate is unsweetened and you're using a less-sweet coffee liqueur like Mr Black, you might want to add 0.25 to 0.5 oz of simple syrup, depending on your taste.
How to make a Chai Espresso Martini
- Step 1: Brew your homemade sweetened chai concentrate for the best results. Also, brew your espresso and allow it to cool.
- Step 2: Pour the chai concentrate, coffee liqueur, espresso, vodka, and Bailey's (or milk) into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until a foamy top forms and the shaker feels frosted.
- Step 4: Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with coffee beans or a star anise and sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pair the martini with Chai Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies for an especially decadent experience at a holiday party. For more savory options, try small plates like spiced nuts, paneer tikka, or samosas. It's great for serving at holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as an after-dinner treat. Add a cinnamon sugar rim for extra festive flair.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Dirty Chai Martini: Instead of Bailey's, add 1 ounce of oat or almond milk for a creamier version. You can also omit the creamy part entirely for a straight espresso martini vibe.
- Zero-Proof Option: Use decaf espresso, non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, and homemade chai syrup with rooibos for a non-caffeinated option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or ginger syrup for some heat.
- Creamy Version: Instead of Bailey's, add 0.5 ounce of cream or a coffee creamer to turn it into a dessert-style drink.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Shake well - The key to a creamy, frothy top is shaking the cocktail hard with ice.
- Chill your glass - A cold martini glass enhances the drinking experience. Chill a glass in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use fresh espresso - Freshly brewed espresso ensures the best flavor and foam. Alternatively, use cold brew but the foam may not have the same results.
- Make it dairy-free - Add a splash of oat milk or coconut milk for extra creaminess instead of a cream liqueur.
- Batching - If batching, don't add ice until you're ready to serve it. Honestly, it's better to shake each one individually in a cocktail shaker but it can also be stirred and served in a jug.
Storage Instructions
A Chai Espresso Martini is best enjoyed chilled immediately after shaking.
To make it in advance - mix all the ingredients together except espresso up to a day beforehand. When you're ready to serve, add the fresh coffee and shake over ice.
More Chai Recipes to try
Recipe
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Chai Espresso Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cream liqueur, (like Bailey's or RumChata)
- 1 ounce chai concentrate
- 0.5 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce espresso
- 0.25 ounce simple syrup, (optional)
- ice, to shake
- whole coffee beans, cinnamon, or star anise, to garnish
Instructions
- Brew 1 shot of fresh espresso and let it cool slightly. If using cold brew concentrate, use 1 oz directly.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the espresso, vodka, chai concentrate, coffee liqueur, cream liqueur, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans, star anise, or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra chai kick.
Notes
- If your chai concentrate is sweetened, and you're using something like Kahlúa (which is already sweet), you do not need simple syrup. The drink will be perfectly balanced.
- If your chai concentrate is unsweetened and you're using a less-sweet coffee liqueur like Mr Black, you might want to add 0.25 to 0.5 oz of simple syrup, depending on your taste.
- I like my martini to have a stronger chai flavor, so I use up to 2 ounces of chai concentrate.
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