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Celebrating the holiday season with this festive Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail. Homemade spiced vanilla chai and honey simple syrup, mixed with vodka, Kahlúa, an extra shot of espresso, and a bit of molasses. A shot of coconut milk makes the drink creamy and just that much more delicious. This is the perfect “Christmas Vacation” style cocktail to enjoy all season long. Mocktail and punch recipes are both included!
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Here we go! December 3rd and it’s Christmas cocktail time! Oh, I’m excited to be kicking off December with a good one, the Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai. This is fun, and of course, totally delicious. It’s more of a dessert-style cocktail, which is always nice on these cold December nights.
With December cocktails, I really am doing my best to only share my favorites. I have so many fun ideas, I just love making these holiday drinks.
I also want to again note that with all the cocktails this season, I will be sharing mocktail variations as well. I’ve had so many requests for more mocktails. I want everyone to be able to enjoy these special holiday drinks!
So I had the name for this cocktail down before I really knew what the cocktail was. I just love the sound of a Christmas Vacation cocktail. It sounds fun, right? Sometimes all I need is something as simple as a recipe title to begin building a recipe. I just have to love the way the recipe sounds, then I dream it up!
My only requirement when creating this cocktail recipe was that Clark Griswold himself would fully approve. It needed to be on the sweeter side because a sweet cocktail felt like something he would enjoy (may I remind you about Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Eggnog).
I love a dirty chai around the holidays, so I decide to add vodka and Kahlúa to the mix.
Here are details
The chai syrup is an extra special holiday touch. It’s what really adds a good amount of flavor, and then of course just the right amount of sweetness too. It’s simple to make, simply brew chai tea with honey and a cinnamon stick. Once brewed add vanilla and ginger to create a simple syrup.
The syrup will make enough for about 6 cocktails. This is awesome to have on hand for any guests that just love to pop in and say hi. It’s not too sweet and is perfectly spiced with the warming flavors of chai, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla.
Shake the chai syrup with vodka, Kahlúa, a shot of espresso, and a small amount of molasses. I know the molasses is little different, but it adds richness and creates the wonderful flavor of gingerbread.
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Shake this all up to combine, then I like to add coconut milk. You’ll get a sweet cocktail with just the right amount of espresso, vanilla, ginger, and a little creaminess too. Oh so GOOD!
A sweet cinnamon-rimmed glass creates a magical Christmas mood. It’s perfect.
If you’re looking for a fun drink to make this weekend while watching yet another holiday movie, this is it.
Looking for other Christmas drinks? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail, 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!
Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail (with mocktail)
Ingredients
Spiced Vanilla Chai Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 bags chai tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- vanilla cinnamon sugar, for rim (optional)
Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlúa
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 ounce canned coconut milk
- grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, and star anise, for serving , (optional)
Instructions
- 1. To make the chai honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water and the honey to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chai tea bags and cinnamon. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the vanilla and ginger. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. If desired, rim your glass with vanilla cinnamon sugar.3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Kahlua, espresso, molasses, and 1-2 tablespoons chai syrup. Shake well to combine. Add the coconut milk and ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg, and star anise, if desired. 4. Mocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 1/2 ounces of apple cider or apple juice, 2 ounces of espresso, molasses, and 1-2 tablespoons chai syrup. Shake well to combine. Add the coconut milk and ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg, and star anise, if desired.
Nutrition
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.
Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Punch
Ingredients
SPICED VANILLA CHAI HONEY SYRUP
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 bags chai tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- vanilla cinnamon sugar, for rim , (optional)
CHRISTMAS VACATION DIRTY CHAI Punch
- 1 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 1/4 cup Kahlúa
- 3/4 cup espresso
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 3/4 -1 cup canned coconut milk
- nutmeg and star anise, for serving , (optional)
Instructions
- 1. To make the chai honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water and the honey to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chai tea bags and cinnamon. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the vanilla and ginger. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, molasses, and chai syrup. Whisk well to combine. Chill until ready to serve. 3. Just before serving, add the coconut milk. Mixing well. Add ice to your punch bowl. Give it a really good stir. Rim cocktail glasses with sugar, if desired. Pour over the punch. Garnish with cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg, and star anise, if desired.
Nutrition
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.
Do you still add the chai syrup if you are making the mocktail version? If not, can you? What would you recommend?
Hey Kendra,
Yes, go ahead and add some of the syrup! I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx
Love to know where did you get the glasses with Santa on them
Hey JoAnn,
Here is the link for the glasses:
https://rstyle.me/+Aod1RmmLmawFjwjnMXMQdw
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Can i substitute something else for the molasses?
Hey Lisa,
You could use maple syrup. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx
This looks amazing and I want one now!! How long does the Vanilla Chai honey syrup last? I’d like to premake the syrup for those guests that like to stop by.
Happy Holidays!
Hi there,
You can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx
Hi! Can the molasses be replaced with maple syrup?
Hey Allison,
Sure, that would work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
When you said you were doing a mocktail version too, I was excited. But…apple cider/juice to replace vodka?! Apple juice, espresso, and coconut milk?? Please stop.
Gonna have to agree on this, that is not a combination I can imagine tasting good… I wonder if she taste tested it or not!
It was a delicious mocktail! I’ve made one everyday since she posted the recipe!! The apple cider was so good!! I added a little extra coconut milk but yum!!!
It was a delicious mocktail! I’ve made one everyday since she posted the recipe!! The apple cider was so good!! I added a little extra coconut milk but yum!!!
Thanks so much Rachel!!
Where’d you find the red truck ornament!?!
Hi Taylor,
So sorry, I’m honestly not sure, it’s pretty old! Let me know if you give the recipe a try! xx
Can’t wait to try! I’m currently pregnant and so happy to see a mocktail recipe here! Please keep them coming!! 🙂
Thanks so much Lisa!! I hope you love the recipe! Cheers!! xx
Can you use something other than vodka?
Hi Barbara,
I would probably stick with vodka for this recipe, unless you want to make the mocktail version, then you can follow those instructions. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can help with! Cheers! xx
So good!
Hey David,
Happy Sunday!!☃️ Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
Where did you get the Vintage Santa glasses from? They are super cute. Can’t wait to try the cocktail recipes ! 🥃
Thanks so much Jennifer! Here’s the link:
https://rstyle.me/+Aod1RmmLmawFjwjnMXMQdw
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx
Can you suggest other uses for leftover syrup? This sound delicious but I hate to waste.
Hey Lori, you could make a chai sweet tea with the syrup, or drizzle it over yogurt or vanilla or even coffee ice cream for a dessert treat. So many things you could do with the syrup.
Hey Lori,
I would probably only use this syrup for this recipe or for making a chai latte, that would work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope this recipe turns out well for you! Cheers! xT
How much chai syrup for the mocktail?
Hi Michelle,
You will want to use 1-2 tablespoons:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Surprised that the mocktail doesn’t have the syrup – was this an oversight?
Hi Annette,
You are going to use 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this drink! Cheers! xx
I cannot wait to try this recipe! I love all you drink recipes this time of year. Oh so festive! Wondering where did you get your Christmas glasses at?!? I love the Santa and trees. Thanks for all that you create! Merry Christmas!
Hi Chris,
So sorry, these glasses are pretty old, I no longer have a link for them! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx
Just wondering if you can use this same syrup to make a traditional chai latte?? I have a friend who loves chai lattes and this syrup would make a fantastic gift for her!
Thanks for all you do-your recipes are my go to fir everything!
Hey there,
Sure, I don’t see why not!! Thanks so much for your kind message! You might also like this recipe:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chai-cashew-and-hemp-latte/
Happy Holidays! xx