This Dirty Chai-Tini is a fantastic combination of Chai Tea concentrate, coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka. 

Are espresso martinis on the out? Tik Tok users seem to think so. While I don’t think they’re going anywhere, it is fun to highlight new caffeinated cocktails. And who knows, you might even like a Dirty Chai-Tini more! 

Chai tea is a spiced tea blend made with black tea and a combination of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. This tea is fragrant and flavorful. Combine it with coffee and you have a killer duo. 

What do I need to make a Dirty Chai-Tini?

I used a chai tea concentrate from Trader Joe’s in this recipe. The concentrate is perfect when it’s diluted with the other ingredients in this cocktail. You could also brew your own (strong) chai tea to use! 

Coffee liqueur is an important part of this recipe. I love using Kahlua and recommend using a liqueur that is not cream-based (like Bailey’s). If you opt to go for a cream-based coffee liqueur, you could forego the cream/half and half in this recipe. 

I recommend vanilla vodka for this recipe. If you do not have this in your liquor cabinet you can use your regular vodka. Just use a bit more simple syrup to compensate for the sweetness that the vanilla vodka brings to the recipe. 

You will also need heavy cream, half and half or a dairy free creamer. Just an ounce of this will add that creamy texture to your ‘tini and help develop a nice foam. Finally, you’ll need some simple syrup. Simple syrup sweetens the cocktail and helps to make the foam you see on the top of dessert martinis like the espresso martini and this one. 

What should I serve my Dirty Chai-Tini in?

Serve this cocktail up in a martini glass or coupe. The Dirty Chai-Tini – like the espresso martini – is not a “real” martini. It is, however, delicious. Plus it looks great in a martini glass! 

When should I serve this cocktail?

Enjoy this drink any time that you would typically have an espresso martini. Espresso martinis are typically a dessert or after-dinner cocktail, but it is now enjoyed any time. The Dirty Chai-Tini has a low to moderate amount of caffeine, not as much as your espresso martini. So you won’t need to worry about getting a decent night’s sleep after one of these! 

Recipe:

To your shaker, add:

  • 1 oz chai tea concentrate
  • 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz heavy cream (or dairy alternative)
  • .5 oz simple syrup

Shake this vigorously (at least 15 seconds) and double strain it into your glass. Garnish with ground cinnamon and enjoy! 

For more holiday recipes, keep up with me on Tik Tok and Instagram.

For a fall-themed margarita recipe, click here!