Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
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, Kahlúa, 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. It’s a delicious holiday treat to cap off the night.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving week…the festive season is finally here! I know, I’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 didn’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.
The details
The chai syrup is the extra special holiday touch to this martini. It’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 any…unannounced guests…or if you just want to make yourself a fancy holiday martini. It’s not too sweet, perfectly spiced with warming flavors of chai, and just lightly hinted with vanilla.
Shake the chai honey syrup with vodka, Kahlúa, a shot of espresso, and a shot of coconut milk. You’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 it’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 you’ll get.
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 needed…but really festive (and delicious) for the holidays.
And that’s it. Enjoy guys! This one is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.
Looking for other easy after-dinner holiday drinks? Here are my favorites:
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, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Chai Espresso Martini
Servings: 1 martini
Calories Per Serving: 1157 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Chai Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 bags chai tea
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- vanilla sugar, for rim (optional)
Martini
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlúa
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1 ounce canned coconut milk
- grated nutmeg and star anise, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
This was like dessert!! Loving it.
Hey Teresa,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan – this recipe sounds amazing! Just a quick logistical question… are you recommending that we pull the shot of espresso and let it cool before adding it to the cocktail shaker? Or are you adding the espresso to the cocktail shaker when it’s freshly pulled and hot?
Hey Darcy,
I let mine cool slightly before adding to the shaker. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
I am obsessed with this recipe and the glasses. However I don’t drink alcohol. I am typically pretty good at coming up with substitutes but I am stumped with the Kahula. I’ve got a very good non alcoholic gin to sub for the vodka but need ideas for the Kahula. HBH hive help me out!
Hey Cari,
I would probably just skip the Kahula here. I hope you enjoy the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
Going to try this out at my martini bar for my x-mad party!! Also love your name, I have a Teagan as well and didn’t know how many variations of her name there are until after I named her 🙂
Thank you so much Meaghan, I hope you love the recipe. Cheers! xTieghan
This is SO good. I used decaf chai tea bags and decaf espresso. So so delicious and an easy fun cocktail to enjoy by the fire or serve to guests over the holidays.
Hey there,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
I ran out to get the ingredients for this cocktail and I have no regrets!! Such a fun twist on an espresso martini. Definitely recommend!
Hey Emily,
Happy Sunday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for trying it out! xTieghan
Looks excellent, can’t wait to try it. I want to make part of it ahead of time. How long will that simple syrup last if made ahead of time and stored in refrig?
Hey Shari,
You can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
It looks incredible! We will need to try this! AND where are the lovely glasses from?! It’s so gorgeous!
https://www.cb2.com/eve-coupe-cocktail-glass/s216761?SID=5435234497&aff=cj&utm_source=cj&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4609662&cjevent=bf67fca84acc11ec8291bc2b0a82b821
Loved this recipe! I used instant espresso because we don’t have anything but a coffee maker, and it was easy and delicious!
Hey Danielle,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
Hey Kala,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Oh yum! This sounds amazing! But Tieghan I’m trying to follow your guide and I need to put the snack mix together tomorrow!! Help a girl out and post the recipe pretty please! 😉
Coming soon! Here are some other snack mix recipes you might enjoy:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/everything-ranch-cheese-and-pretzel-snack-mix/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-n-savory-roasted-nuts-and-pretzels/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spicy-ranch-chex-mix/
I don’t like coffee, but love chai tea. Is there anything I can substitute for the coffee?
Hey Terri,
I would probably try a different cocktail of mine since this is an espresso drink:) Here are some other options:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/vanilla-chai-tea-white-russian/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/santas-nightcap/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
My syrup came out super thick, candy-like. Suggestions?
Hey Kayla,
Sorry to hear this, sounds like it was boiled for too long. Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Where can I purchase those coupe glasses?
Hey Tracy,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Where can I buy these glasses?
Hey Cheryl,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
can i make these ahead or make enough for a dinner party
Hey Stephanie,
You bet, just increase the serving size and the ingredients will adjust accordingly for you. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
I think Espresso and Martini is the best couple ever!!
Miki x
https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/
Thanks so much!