This masala chai martini is a lovely way to enjoy the flavors of chai tea in the form of an elegant cocktail. Homemade chai concentrate blends smoothly with vodka, and a hint of lemon juice adds a refreshing flavor.
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I have fond memories of enjoying the chai martini. The comforting flavors of chai, blended with the smoothness of the cocktail and a citrusy touch of lemon juice, create pure indulgence. It is a go-to drink, perfectly suited for intimate gatherings or whenever I desire a sophisticated and flavorful experience.
Why you will love this recipe?
- The chai martini seamlessly combines the rich and aromatic flavors of traditional chai tea with the sophistication of a martini, resulting in a unique and delightful taste experience.
- The infusion of chai spices brings a comforting warmth to the cocktail, creating a cozy and inviting sensation with each sip.
Making chai concentrate
Chai concentrate, used for chai lattes, is a blend of brewed black tea and spices sweetened with sugar. While readily available in stores, homemade versions offer customization of spices and sugar levels. In this recipe, I use my homemade chai concentrate, but you can substitute it with store-bought options like Tazo chai concentrate.
The Rim
Here are some options to rim the martini glass. My favorite is the Marie biscuit rim.
Cinnamon sugar rim: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of the martini glass with a lemon wedge, then gently roll it into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Crushed biscuit rim: Crush Marie biscuits and spread them out on a plate. Moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into the crushed biscuit crumbs. This replicates the dunking of biscuits in tea.
From classic gin to fruity twists, martini variations offer a spectrum of flavors that cater to every palate and occasion. My other favorites are this blood orange martini and this 3-ingredient lemon drop martini - both perfect to add a stylish touch to quiet evenings.
Food pairing with chai martini
Desserts: Enhance the chai flavors of the martini by pairing it with desserts like tiramisu, chocolate mousse, gingerbread, or cardamom-infused cakes.
Savory snacks: Savory snacks like spiced nuts, vegetable samosas, or tandoori mushrooms make for a satisfying and well-rounded pairing experience.
Indian cuisine: If you are serving it during a meal, pair it with flavorful Indian dishes like butter chicken, vegetable biryani, or paneer tikka.
If you tried this Chai Martini Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Recipe card
Spiced Chai Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 fl oz vodka
- 1 fl oz chai concentrate cooled
- ½ fl oz lemon juice
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes as needed
For the rim:
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Mix the ground cinnamon and sugar together and place it on a small dish. Rub the rim of the chilled glass with lime and roll it in the cinnamon sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, chai tea concentrate (or cooled brewed chai tea), fresh lemon juice, and a dash of ground cinnamon to the shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a martini glass.
- Top with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Jennifer Osborn says
I love Chai and I love martinis but I never thought about putting them together. Your chai martini recipe was so delicious. I will be making it again and again.
Jessica says
It's all about the rim! Thanks for explaining exactly how to dip the glass. That extra step takes this cocktail up to the next level. I can't wait to make it over the weekend!
Ellen says
The presentation of this cocktail impressed my dinner guests! It's gorgeous and delicious.
Sage Scott says
I've long loved the flavor of chai spice -- in tea, in lattes, in desserts -- but I'd never tried it as a martini until this recipe. Oh, yum! This is my new go-to coktail!
Sharon says
We loved this chai martini! I took your suggestion and served these with a charcuterie of cheese and fruit when we had company this weekend. Everyone really enjoyed it.
Rachna says
I have never mixed martinis and chai together before. I wonder why. This was just so delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Chichi says
This is a great martini recipe! My hubby and friends enjoyed it. Thank you.
Lisa says
I love spiced chai and this martini was the perfect drink for relaxing over the weekend.
Sue says
I never would have thought to use Chai tea in a cocktail, but this martini is delicious! A must for any Chai lover.
Erica says
I'm not the biggest fan of martinis - or vodka in general - but the chai convinced me to get over myself and try this. Best martini ever!
Anne says
Loved the idea to use crushed Marie biscuits on the rim! That went perfectly with the chai flavor.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I can't have enough of chai spices and this is just perfect! What a great idea to make for gatherings. Love showcasing the Indian flavors and this brings it all on! And that biscuit rim is marvelous!
Ksenia says
I knew I loved chai - but this was even better than the regular hot beverage!!! I loved the deep rich flavor of this drink and couldn’t wait to have more.
Jenn says
This is such a uniqe recipe, and my friends and I all love it so much. Who would of thought that chai would work so wonderfully in a martini? Also, I really enjoyed the cinnamon sugar rim, although the others were good too.