Chai Espresso Martini

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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 fermented grains or potatoes and water, which are distilled and then infused with vanilla to develop a sweet, spiced flavor.

Espresso: This is a type of coffee made with finely ground coffee beans and water, which are brewed under high pressure to develop a rich, intense flavor.

Chai Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with black tea, a blend of chai spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, spiced tea flavor.

Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a spiced, aromatic flavor.

Coffee Beans: This is a seed harvested from the Coffea plant that has a rich, bitter flavor when roasted.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
• 🔗 Wide Awake Coffee Company Espresso Blend Cold Brew Coffee
• 🔗 Twisted Path Distillery Chai Liqueur

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 and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker made with a large metal tin and a second tin or mixing glass that’s used for shaking and chilling cocktail ingredients.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is a flat metal strainer with a handle and a coiled spring around the edge that’s used for straining shaken cocktails from a shaker while holding back ice and solids.

Espresso Machine: This is a kitchen appliance that forces hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure to produce concentrated espresso.

Tweezers: This is a long, narrow tool with angled tips that’s used for precisely placing delicate garnishes and small ingredients.

Martini Glass: This is a stemmed glass with a wide, V-shaped bowl that’s used for serving stirred, or sometimes shaken, cocktails without ice.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Boston Shaker
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Hawthorne Strainer
• 🔗 Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
• 🔗 Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set
• 🔗 Libbey Embassy Martini Glass

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 Take
“Chai and espresso are such a natural pairing, and this cocktail proves it. The warm spice of the chai threads beautifully through the bold coffee base of the iconic Espresso Martini template, adding depth without overpowering the structure of the original. In my opinion, the Chai Espresso Martini is rich, aromatic, and a great option when you want something familiar with a little extra seasonal personality.”

Recipe