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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.

Ingredients
- Honey
- Chai tea
- Vanilla extract
- Vanilla sugar
- Vodka
- Kahlua
- Espresso
- Canned coconut milk
- Nutmeg
- Star anise
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: 1157 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
Chai Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 bags chai tea
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- vanilla sugar, for rim (optional)
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)
Instructions
- 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.

This post was originally published on November 20, 2021
















If I used tequila instead of vodka would I need to change the measurements?
Hi Brittney,
Nope, I would keep everything the same:)
I hope you love this recipe! Cheers!
Is it best to use chai tea bags or can you use the chai pre made mix from the grocery store?
Hi Jena,
I don’t see why you couldn’t use the pre made mix from the store. I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx
Is it okay to make the mix (everything but the espresso) a few days before?
Hi Shelby,
Sure, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work for you. I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xT
Can you make this drink in a batch? Hosting a friendsgiving and would love to have this pre-made.
Hi Kristy,
Sure, if you could wait to freshly add the espresso that would work best! Just increase the serving size above the list of ingredients and all of the measurements will adjust for you. Cheers! xx
Hi. Can I use brewed espresso or do you recommend the powder you have listed? Thanks
Hey Isabel,
Sure, you can use brewed espresso:) I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx
Really delicious, and I love the coconut milk for the creaminess factor. These hit for my dinner party
Hey Jessica,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe and your comment, I’m so glad it was enjoyed! xxx
Hi Tieghan!!!
Do you think it’s possible to make a pitcher and bring to a party?
Hi Brandi! I haven’t tried that myself but I think that should work just fine! xT
So so good! I love espresso martinis and the chai twist is :chef’s kiss:
Do I need to refrigerate the leftover syrup?
Hi Jenny,
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it was a hit! Yes, keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. xx