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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, 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.
Tieghan, would you be so kind as to tell me the brand of the glasses you used for this drink?
I love them! Thanks
Hi there,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions. xTieghan
I have Chai Bitters, could I use that instead of the chai tea bags? 🙂
Hey Sam,
Sure, I bet that would work well for you! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Made a few batches for my birthday brunch and it was a hit! Everyone loved it, even those who typically don’t like coffee. Thank you for this creative and wonderful recipe.
Hey Luciana,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This is the perfect espresso martini. I substituted heavy cream for the coconut milk because the coconut milk seemed to separate a bit. Truly fantastic!
Hey Liz,
Happy Sunday! So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for making it! xxT
I haven’t made these yet because I want the same glasses. Where can I buy them?
Hey Vera,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions. xTieghan
where are these glasses from? I must make these
Hi Cindy,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious! And I purchased the glasses too , although they didn’t come in time for my Cookie exchange Party I’ll send a picture on Instagram
Hey Dina,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xT
This is soo delicious! We made these over thanksgiving and my family loved them! My sister and I could not make them fast enough! Definitely give yourself a little time make the syrup and make extra, you’re going to need it! Thank you for another delicious recipe!
Hi Meghann,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
This drink was the hit of my holiday brunch!
Hey Jill,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays!? xx
Hi,
Looking forward to making this. I love an espresso martini! Any tips on making this in a large batch for a group?
Hi Emily,
If you adjust the serving size, the ingredient list will automatically adjust for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, cheers! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
Thank you for this amazing recipe! What Christmas cookie recipe would you pair with this? I’m making it this weekend. And want to pair a great cookie with it
Hey Kasey,
Here’s a few that would work well:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/samoas-pretzel-presents/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/christmas-lights-cookies/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/milk-chocolate-peanut-butter-truffle-brownies/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious! I don’t think I’ve had a drink using Kahlua since I was 21 getting a mudslide at TGIFridays, lol. So, I called my girlfriends over for a happy hour cocktail taste test – success! It was delicious… like dessert in a glass, but not too sweet (I had leftover chai syrup after making 4 very generous drinks… so I bet there is enough for 7 drinks). And seriously, it was beautiful (I was too busy tasting it, but they all took pics)! It’s a great choice to make for company.
Hey Christine,
Awesome! I am so glad you all enjoyed the martini, thanks for making it! Cheers! xTieghan
Is it really only half a cup a water that should be boiled to make the chai syrup? I tried this and it was way too much honey in the ratio so it all burned together when adding the honey?
Hi Kellyn,
Yes, the measurements are correct. How high was your heat? You really shouldn’t have your stove higher than medium. I hope this helps for next time. Cheers! xTieghan
Hi! Any suggestions to avoid coconut milk separation? I tried whisking and smoothing from the can but it still become grainy when shaking all together. Thanks!
Hey Amy,
So sorry to hear this! Are you using canned coconut milk? Is it at room temp? Let me know if this helps! xTieghan
Having the same issue. Coconut milk is canned and at room temp., but just separates and gets weird in the drink.
Hi Caitlin,
I would pop it in the blender to see if that helps at all! Cheers! xx
Hi! I cannot wait to try this. Any idea how long the Chai syrup will last if refrigerated? Hoping to make a big patch and have all winter long.
Hey Jordan,
You can keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, cheers! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
I was wondering if you could tells us where you get the glassesware for your cocktails ?
When you did the the Harry Potter series of drinks you would list where you purchased the glasses.
Thanks,
Katherine
Hi Katherine,
Here is the link for these glasses:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bAFBQ
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan