Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini
A bold espresso martini infused with aromatic chai spices, combining smooth vodka, fresh espresso, and a hint of warm spice for an elevated after-dinner treat. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz chai syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- as needed ice cubes
- 3 for garnish whole coffee beans
- a light dusting ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and pour in 2 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly), 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.5 oz chai syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the mixture is well chilled.
- Step 3: Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth texture.
- Step 4: Garnish the surface with 3 whole coffee beans arranged in a triangle.
- Step 5: Lightly dust a pinch of ground cinnamon over the top to release chai aromas as you sip.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover chai-spiced vodka espresso martini in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chai-Spiced Vodka Espresso Martini?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
