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Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

Picture this: It’s the end of a long day, and you’re torn between coffee and a cocktail.

Enter the Dirty Chai Espresso Martini—a drink that perfectly straddles the line between a caffeinated pick-me-up and a boozy indulgence.

This cocktail is like a love letter to chai lattes and espresso martinis, combining the creamy, spiced warmth of chai with the bold kick of espresso and the velvety smoothness of vodka.

I love it because it’s unexpected yet familiar, cozy yet sophisticated.

Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
  • 1 oz chai concentrate
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Ground cinnamon or chai spices for garnish
  • Optional: A splash of heavy cream or oat milk for creaminess

Ingredient Breakdown

Vodka
Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail. It provides a clean, crisp base that lets the other flavors shine. Use a good-quality vodka, but no need to break the bank—brands like Tito’s or Absolut work beautifully.

Espresso
Freshly brewed espresso is where the magic happens. Its intense, rich flavor balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Pro tip: Let the espresso cool slightly before using it in your shaker to avoid melting the ice too quickly.

Chai Concentrate
The chai concentrate is the star of the show, bringing all the warm spices—think cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. You can use store-bought concentrate like Tazo or make your own for a more customized flavor.

Coffee Liqueur
A splash of coffee liqueur, like Kahlúa, adds depth and enhances the espresso’s boldness. It also brings a touch of sweetness, balancing out the spices.

Simple Syrup
This cocktail benefits from a bit of sweetness to tie all the flavors together. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could infuse your simple syrup with chai spices for an extra layer of complexity.

Ice Cubes
Ice is essential for shaking up the drink and achieving that frothy, Instagram-worthy top layer. Use fresh, clean ice for the best results.

Garnish
Ground cinnamon or chai spices sprinkled on top add an aromatic finishing touch. It’s like a preview of the flavor explosion waiting for you.

Optional Creaminess
Adding a splash of heavy cream or oat milk takes the cocktail to another level, giving it a luscious, dessert-like quality.

How to Make a Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Espresso

Start by brewing a shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong shot of coffee from a Moka pot or AeroPress will work. Let the espresso cool for 5–10 minutes to avoid diluting your cocktail too much when you shake it.

Pro Tip: Want to save time? Brew your espresso earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix.

Step 2: Prep Your Shaker

Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with ice cubes. The ice is key to chilling the drink and creating that signature frothy top. If you’re fancy, use large cocktail ice cubes—they melt slower and won’t water down the drink as much.

Step 3: Add Your Ingredients

Pour the following into the shaker:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz chai concentrate
  • 1 oz cooled espresso
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup

If you’re going for the creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or oat milk at this stage. It’s optional but highly recommended if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

Pro Tip: Taste your chai concentrate before adding. If it’s very sweet, you can scale back on the simple syrup to keep the drink balanced.

Step 4: Shake It Like You Mean It

Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for 15–20 seconds. This step is crucial—it not only chills the drink but also aerates it, giving you that velvety foam layer. Your arms should feel the burn by the time you’re done!

Step 5: Strain and Pour

Grab a coupe or martini glass and strain your cocktail into it. For an extra-smooth presentation, use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any tiny ice chips. You’ll know you’ve nailed it if a frothy layer forms on top.

Pro Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail. It keeps the drink colder for longer and feels extra fancy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or chai spices over the frothy top. You could also get creative with a star anise or cinnamon stick for a more dramatic garnish. Serve immediately and watch your guests’ eyes light up as they take their first sip.

Tips for the Perfect Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

  • Balance is Key: Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, use a chai concentrate with more robust flavors. For a sweeter drink, add an extra splash of simple syrup.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Swap vodka for spiced rum or bourbon for a unique twist. These spirits complement the chai spices beautifully.
  • Make It Decaf: Love the idea of this cocktail but not the caffeine buzz? Use decaf espresso or coffee to make a nighttime-friendly version.
  • Batch It for a Party: Double or triple the recipe and make a batch ahead of time. Shake individual servings with ice just before serving to keep them fresh and frothy.

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Recipe

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

The Dirty Chai Espresso Martini is the perfect fusion of spicy chai and bold espresso, with a velvety vodka base and a touch of sweetness from coffee liqueur and simple syrup. This sophisticated cocktail is ideal for after-dinner drinks, brunches, or anytime you want a cozy, caffeinated pick-me-up with a boozy twist.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz espresso freshly brewed and cooled
  • 1 oz chai concentrate
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur e.g., Kahlúa
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Ground cinnamon or chai spices for garnish
  • A splash of heavy cream or oat milk optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare 1 oz of espresso or strong coffee and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. For quicker prep, brew espresso ahead of time and refrigerate.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes for optimal chilling and froth.
  • Add the vodka, espresso, chai concentrate, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup into the shaker.
  • For a creamier version, include a splash of heavy cream or oat milk.
  • Secure the shaker lid and shake for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and frothy.
  • Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass. For a smoother presentation, use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any ice particles.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or chai spices on top for a flavorful and aromatic finishing touch.
  • Add a cinnamon stick or star anise for extra flair if desired.
  • Sip and enjoy!

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