This delicious dirty Chai Espresso Martini recipe is the perfect combination of chai-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup.

Side angle of a coupe glass filled with a frothy chai espresso martini.

Looking for the best dirty chai martini?

Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season or simply want to upgrade your cocktail recipes, you can’t go wrong with this perfect cocktail.

The Chai Espresso Martini is the perfect balance between our chai cocktail and coffee cocktail. It brings together the strong flavors of chai-infused vodka, the richness of coffee liqueur, and the boldness of fresh espresso. This cocktail not only gives you the comforting taste of warm spices but also adds a kick of energy from the coffee.

What Is a Chai Espresso Martini?

Chai, originating from the Hindi word for “tea,” is a centuries-old tradition rooted in the Assam region of India. Originally a spiced infusion without actual tea leaves, it evolved with British influence to include black tea, milk, and sugar. Now a global favorite, chai embraces various tea types and boasts a diverse flavor profile, from spicy to sweet.

This recipe uses classic chai spice in the form of chai-infused vodka and pairs it with coffee flavor for a classic cocktail to warm you up in cooler weather.

A coupe glass filled with a frothy espresso martini infused with chai spices.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

EASY & DELICIOUS – If you’re a fan of chai and coffee, the Chai Espresso Martini is your dream come true. The addition of simple syrup lets you tailor the sweetness to your liking. It’s basically a chai latte but with a boozy coffee twist.

What You Need to Make a Chai Espresso Martini

Chai-infused vodka – We infused the vodka with chai teabags. You could also use chai concentrate or chai syrup if you have some on hand. Keep it mind it might have sweetener in it, so you’d want to omit the simple syrup.
Coffee liqueur – Kahlúa is a great option.
Freshly brewed espresso
Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Chai spices for garnish (optional)

How to Make a Chai Espresso Martini

To prepare the Chai Espresso Martini, start by infusing vodka with chai teabags. Add 1-2 chai tea bags to a bottle of vodka and let it infuse for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for a stronger chai flavor. Remember to remove the tea bags before use.
Next, brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, prepare the glass by chilling a martini glass in the freezer or with ice water. In a shaker, combine the chai-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and simple syrup.
Shake the mixture well with ice cubes for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the shaken concoction into the chilled martini glass, discarding any ice. Garnish the drink with a dash of chai spices and coffee beans.
Your Chai Espresso Martini is now ready to be served and savored – a delightful blend of chai spices and espresso to be enjoyed slowly.

Hand straining espresso martini into a glass.

Expert Recipe Tips

Don’t want the buzz from the espresso? Use decaf espresso instead.
Want a creamy texture? Add a splash of almond milk, coconut milk, or regular milk.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste preferences. Try this Simple Chai Syrup for even more of that signature flavor.
Feel free to get creative with garnishes or add a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of warmth.

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This warm drink is the perfect decadent treat for a cold night! With natural ingredients and a rich chocolatey coffee flavor, this Boozy Hot Chocolate will carry you through the new year! If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card to help out the next reader!