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Cocktail History
The Chai Espresso Martini is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a twist on the classic Espresso Martini. Like its traditional counterpart, it features vodka and freshly brewed espresso for a bold, energizing base, but instead of using simple syrup to sweeten the mix, this version opts for a cinnamon-infused syrup, adding a layer of warmth and subtle spice. The standout addition is chai liqueur, which introduces a complex medley of tea, cardamom, and other aromatic spices, elevating the flavor profile to something uniquely cozy and indulgent.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with vanilla pods, grains, vegetables or fruits, alcohol, and water. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.
Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water.
Chai Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with black tea, spices, sugar, alcohol, and water. I used Twisted Path Distillery Chai Liqueur.
Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, gum arabic powder, saline solution, and water. I used this sous vide recipe.
Coffee Beans: This is the a seed of the Coffea plant.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Espresso Machine: This is a specialized coffee maker that’s designed to force hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated, rich coffee shot with a layer of cream on top. I used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Tweezers: These are a precision tool that’s used for placing delicate garnishes. I used one from the Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set.
Martini Glass: This is a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl and a narrow stem. I used the Libbey Embassy Martini Glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Dark brown color
• Aroma: Heavy coffee and baking spices
• Taste: Strong bitter coffee flavor backed up with the chai liqueur’s notes of cinnamon, cloves, and anise
• Finish: Some softness and sweetness from vanilla with more chai spice
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “Full disclosure, I originally gave this cocktail three stars because I’m not big on bold coffee drinks in general, but the Chai Espresso Martini honestly deserves a fourth one. I did really enjoy the addition of chai to the iconic Espresso Martini template and would pretty much always choose this version over the original. The chai flavors shine nicely even against the strong coffee flavor.”
Recipe
Chai Espresso Martini
The Chai Espresso Martini is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a twist on the classic Espresso Martini. The recipe is similar to the original in that it calls for vodka and freshly-brewed espresso, but instead of simple syrup, it uses a flavored cinnamon syrup and adds a healthy dose of chai liqueur for a more complex flavor.
Ingredients
Method
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Add vanilla vodka, espresso, chai liqueur, cinnamon syrup, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a martini glass.
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Garnish with coffee beans.
