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Celebrating the holiday season with this cozy Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade vanilla chai and honey simple syrup, mixed with the classic espresso martini ingredients of vodka, Kahlรบa, and a shot of espresso. A shot of coconut milk makes the drink a touch creamy and just that much more delicious. This is the perfect subtle twist on the classic espresso martini cocktail. Itโ€™s a delicious holiday treat to cap off the night.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

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Ingredients

  • Honeyย 
  • Chai teaย 
  • Vanilla extractย 
  • Vanilla sugarย 
  • Vodkaย 
  • Kahluaย 
  • Espressoย 
  • Canned coconut milkย 
  • Nutmegย 
  • Star aniseย 

The Saturday before Thanksgiving weekโ€ฆthe festive season is finally here! I know, Iโ€™m the cheesiest, but as I say every single year, the holidays bring out my cheesy side. And I love every minute of the next few weeks.

For once, I didnโ€™t need to spend a lot of time going back and forth on the perfect drink to share today. I knew exactly what I wanted to share with you.

Something warming, something cozy, and something that would really end any holiday evening just right. This is the perfect drink.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

The details

The chai syrup is the extra special holiday touch to this martini. Itโ€™s also so simple to make. You basically brew chai tea, then add honey and vanilla to create a simple syrup.

The syrup will make enough for about six cocktails. This is awesome to have on hand for anyโ€ฆunannounced guestsโ€ฆor if you just want to make yourself a fancy holiday martini. Itโ€™s not too sweet, perfectly spiced with warming flavors of chai, and just lightly hinted with vanilla.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

Shake the chai honey syrup with vodka, Kahlรบa, a shot of espresso, and a shot of coconut milk. Youโ€™ll get a sweet martini with just the right amount of espresso, hints of vanilla, and a little creaminess too. Oh so GOOD!

The key to a good espresso martini is all in that frothy top. I know it might seem like a hard thing to achieve, but itโ€™s actually very easy. You just need to really shake the drink together with ice for a good minute to create the froth. The harder you shake, the more froth youโ€™ll get.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

I wanted to make the drink sparkle and shine, so I rimmed the glass with a sweet vanilla-sugar (simply sugar mixed with vanilla bean seeds). Not neededโ€ฆbut really festive (and delicious) for the holidays.

And thatโ€™s it. Enjoy guys! This one is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for other easy after-dinner holiday drinks? Here are my favorites:ย 

Chai Old Fashioned

Vanilla Chai White Russian

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

Vanilla Espresso Martini

Lastly, if you make this Chai Espresso Martini, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโ€™t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Chai Espresso Martini

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com
4.61 from 219 votes
1 martini
calories 1157kcal
Prep5 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total20 minutes
The perfect subtle twist on the classic espresso martini cocktailโ€ฆa delicious holiday treat to cap the night with!
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Ingredientsย 

Chai Honey Syrup

Martini

Instructionsย 

  • 1. To make the chai honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the chai tea bags, cover and steep 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the honey. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.
    2. If desired, rim your glass with vanilla sugar.
    3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons chai syrup, vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and coconut milk. Add ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and star anise, if desired.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 1157kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.

Chai Espresso Martini | halfbakedharvest.com

Meet Tieghan Gerard

I'm Tieghan, the recipes you'll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!

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4.61 from 219 votes (195 ratings without comment)

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188 Comments

  1. Brittney says:

    If I used tequila instead of vodka would I need to change the measurements?

    1. Tieghan Gerard says:

      Hi Brittney,
      Nope, I would keep everything the same:)

      I hope you love this recipe! Cheers!

  2. Jena says:

    Is it best to use chai tea bags or can you use the chai pre made mix from the grocery store?

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hi Jena,
      I don’t see why you couldn’t use the pre made mix from the store. I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx

  3. Shelby says:

    Is it okay to make the mix (everything but the espresso) a few days before?

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hi Shelby,
      Sure, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work for you. I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xT

  4. Kristy says:

    Can you make this drink in a batch? Hosting a friendsgiving and would love to have this pre-made.

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hi Kristy,
      Sure, if you could wait to freshly add the espresso that would work best! Just increase the serving size above the list of ingredients and all of the measurements will adjust for you. Cheers! xx

  5. Isabel says:

    Hi. Can I use brewed espresso or do you recommend the powder you have listed? Thanks

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hey Isabel,
      Sure, you can use brewed espresso:) I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx

  6. Jess says:

    5 stars
    Really delicious, and I love the coconut milk for the creaminess factor. These hit for my dinner party

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hey Jessica,
      Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe and your comment, Iโ€™m so glad it was enjoyed! xxx

  7. Brandi says:

    Hi Tieghan!!!

    Do you think itโ€™s possible to make a pitcher and bring to a party?

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hi Brandi! I haven’t tried that myself but I think that should work just fine! xT

  8. Jenny says:

    5 stars
    So so good! I love espresso martinis and the chai twist is :chefโ€™s kiss:
    Do I need to refrigerate the leftover syrup?

    1. Tieghan says:

      Hi Jenny,
      Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it was a hit! Yes, keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. xx