Masala Chai Martini

A chai vodka martini in a martini glass with a cinnamon sugar rim and an orange peel twist on the rim

No ratings yet

This easy martini recipe needs only 3 ingredients for a fun, elegant drink. Masala chai - with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and more - is shaken with vodka and orange liqueur. It's perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any cocktail party or brunch.

Prep Time3

Total Time3

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Indian

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 230kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

1½ ounces strongly brewed, chilled masala chai (see notes)
1½ ounces vodka
1½ ounces 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

Instructions

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

Notes

Note: recipe time does not include chilling time for the tea.

For a "strongly brewed" tea, I like to let the tea bags steep for twice as long as the directions say.

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.

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.

For a crowd

For 4 drinks: use 6 oz. (3/4 cup) of each of the 3 ingredients. Add to a big pitcher with ice and stir until chilled. Pour into glasses and garnish, if desired.

For 8 drinks: use 12 oz. (1.5 cups) of each of the 3 ingredients. Add to a big pitcher with ice and stir until chilled. Pour into glasses and garnish, if desired.

Nutrition