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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. 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.
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, and alcohol. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.
Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water. I used ground coffee from a local supplier.
Chai Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with black tea, spices, sugar, and alcohol. 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 made mine at home using 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:
Espresso Machine: This brews hot espresso coffee. I used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Grater: This is used to grate spices or citrus peel. I used the OXO Good Grips Grater.
Tweezers: This is used to place the garnish on the drink. I used one from the Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set.
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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 of the original. The chai flavors shine nicely even against the strong coffee flavor.”
Recipe
Chai Espresso Martini
The Chai Espresso Martini is a Sips From Scripts 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 more 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.
