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