Masala Chai Martini

This Masala Chai Martini is an easy, elegant drink that needs only 3 ingredients!

Cold masala chai, vodka and orange liqueur are shaken together for a chilled, spiced cocktail.

This fun martini recipe is perfect for fall, whether at Halloween, Thanksgiving, cocktail parties or brunch.

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Masala Chai Martini

Masala chai – with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and more – is one of my favorite teas.

And since it’s a black tea, it has a nice, gentle boost of caffeine.

So when I tried a martini made with Earl Grey tea (a “mar-tea-ni”) from Nigella Lawson’s Christmas cookbook, I knew I had to try a version with masala chai.

Vodka makes sense not just because we’re making a martini but because its flavor (or lack thereof) won’t overpower the spices.

And the third and final ingredient is orange liqueur. Orange just naturally goes well with flavors like cinnamon and ginger.

Plus, most orange liqueurs are sweet to some degree or another, and that sweetness helps balance the tartness of the black tea.

Best of all, this masala tea cocktail is so easy to make, whether you’re making one or a big batch for a party. It’s equal parts of all 3 ingredients so you’ll remember how to make it without even needing a recipe.

If I want to bring a big batch to a party or brunch, I chill all the ingredients ahead of time, then mix them in a big thermos without ice. The thermos will keep everything cold.

 

What you need to make a Masala Chai Martini

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. strongly brewed, cold masala chai (I like to let the tea bags steep for twice as long as the tea’s directions say)
• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1.5 oz. orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau
• ice
• optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks or dusting of cinnamon, star anise, an orange peel, a few small chunks of candied ginger
• for the cinnamon sugar rim you see in these photos, mix 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon with 1 tablespoon sugar; wet the rim of the glass with water, orange juice or lemon juice and dip the rim in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then shake and pour in the martini

See notes below the recipe for how to make bigger batches.

Equipment:

• a jigger or small measuring cup (<– these small measuring cups are a household favorite for cocktails)
• a cocktail shaker
• a martini glass

How to make a chai martini

Brew your chai ahead of time (letting the bag steep for twice as long as the directions say), let it cool down and then refrigerate until cold.

Add the chai, vodka and orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker.

Add the 3-4 ice cubes, cover the shaker and shake for 10-20 seconds, until the contents feel thoroughly chilled.

Strain into the martini glasses, add any optional garnishes and serve!

 

Substitutions and variations

• I haven’t tried this with another spirit instead of vodka, but my first option would be tequila (clear or aged). Dark rum, bourbon or whiskey might work – if you try any of them, please let me know!
• No orange liqueur? Use orange juice instead.
• Add a dash of cream, milk, almond milk or coconut milk, which would make this like a chai latte martini.

 

Other recipes you might like:

1. Pumpkin Cider Margarita
2. Mulled Apple Cider
3. Pomegranate Old-Fashioned
4. Limoncello Spritz

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