Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail]

Savor this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail], a rich coffee drink bursting with chai, maple, and espresso flavors that’s oh-so-smooth. Unlike the classic, this version is dairy-free and Kahlua-free, instead infused with warm spices and a toasty, nutty aroma. It’s perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and mellow notes—an irresistible blend for any coffee lover. Completely Dairy-free + Vegan.

Last year, I crafted a Vegan Espresso Martini Mocktail but this time, I wanted to amp up the flavor even more—and this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail] absolutely delivers! I’m all about creating a delicious, memorable experience without the alcohol, making this drink perfect for everyone.

After recently discovering the “dirty” chai trend, I’ve been using this chai-coffee combo in recipes like Dirty Chai Oatmeal Porridge + Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte, and I have to say—it’s a game changer! The blend of chai spices with bold coffee flavors is amazing, and this martini captures both so beautifully.

What You'll Love Most About this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

• A fresh kick of energy from the coffee!
• Extremely creamy + smooth in texture
• Dairy-free + vegan for everyone to enjoy!
• Nutty, toasty aroma that adds an extra cozy vibe to every sip.
• The sweetness of maple adds a perfect touch of natural sweetness and depth to every sip.

What Is An Espresso Martini Mocktail?

A traditional espresso martini is all about three main ingredients: vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. Simple as that. The result is a drink that’s strong, sweet, rich in flavor, and super smooth—which explains its recent popularity! I've created a mocktail version that keeps all those qualities with a delicious Kahlua substitute, so you can enjoy that classic espresso martini vibe without the alcohol.

What Is Dirty Chai?

When you hear "dirty chai" a lot comes to mind! Don't worry no dirt involved—just a delightful blend of chai tea and espresso. The blend offers a unique + delightful fusion of spicy chai flavors with the boldness of espresso, creating a harmonious balance between the aromatic spices and the rich coffee taste.

How to Make Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

Once you see how easy it is to make your own Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktails at home, you’ll never not have one again. This recipe comes together in a saucepan on the stove for the chai maple syrup component and then stirred together with the remaining ingredients.

Then, you'll whip together your Kahlua substitute over the stovetop as well your your freshly brewed espresso or coffee (I'm so obsessed with my Breville machine these days) and let everything cool completely for a nice smooth taste. Finally, you'll shake everything together, garnish the martinis with your favorites and wallah! Sip and enjoy!

Ingredients For Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

Alcohol-Free Kahlua Substitute

The tangy flavor in these drinks comes from a homemade Kahlua substitute. And guess what? You only need THREE ingredients (plus water) to make it.

• Brown sugar. I use organic to make sure it’s vegan
• Instant coffee. Espresso powder also works.
• Condensed milk. For this recipe, I used dairy-free condensed milk by Let's Do....Organic. Such a nice creamy substitute.

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

The ingredients to flavor this dirty chai espresso martini are super simple and can be adjusted based on sweetness preference. Here’s what you need to make them:

• Espresso. For a sweeter, milder taste than espresso or strong coffee, you can use cold brew. However, I love the medium dark roast flavor of organic espresso beans from Allegro Coffee. It's the perfect layered flavor of dark chocolate and caramel.
• Kahlua substitute. I recommend using instant coffee if you don't want to include any form of espresso in this drink.
• Almond milk. Adds a nice smoothness. You can make your own or also use coconut, oat, or cashew milk or your fave plant-based milk.
• Maple syrup. The best sweetener that I enjoy using. I like to use pure maple syrup. Feel free to use organic raw honey also.
• Alcohol alternative. I truly enjoy creating a true cocktail feel without the alcohol, therefore, I've been loving Ritual Zero Proof alcohol alternatives. I used their Rum alliterative which adds a nice warm vanilla, toasted spice, and smooth decadence of actual rum. You can also enjoy this with their Tequila alternative. If preferred, you can totally omit this and just use the chai mixture for "body".
• Vanilla. To balance the richness of coffee.
• Black tea bags. You can use any plain black tea you like. Caffeine-free will also work if you avoid caffeine.
• Chai spices. This mocktail is all about the spice blend, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
• Molasses. I like to use premium molasses.
• Crushed ice. You'll only need ice to shake your cocktail shaker. This helps to create a nice cool, smooth feel.
• Whole coffee beans. Definitely the signature garnish for espresso martinis.

SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES, ESPECIALLY FOR THESE MARTINIS!

Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Tips For Making The Perfect Martini

Making this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail right is super easy to achieve, especially when you follow these tips that I can guarantee will help you get it right:

• Cool your coffee completely so that you can have a chill drink.
• Be sure to shake or stir the ingredients together very well to ensure that everything is smooth you can have a nice foam on top, if desired.
• If you'd like a foam on top, be sure to pour the martini mixture into your glass swiftly.
• Making your own simple syrup changes the game!

How To Garnish + Serve Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktails

These dirty chai espresso martinis are sure to be a show-stopper, therefore, understanding how to best spruce them up for a special occasion is important. Before serving, you can dress them up even more with festive toppings like:

• Coconut whipped cream. You can use regular dairy whipped cream if you aren't concerned with it being dairy-free.
• Cinnamon stick. A stick of two of cinnamon adds a nice kick of flavor and makes for a simple garnish.
• Shaved chocolate. These add a dramatic touch and I love using my vegetable peeler for fancy chocolate shavings.
• Star anise. Another great spice option for additional warm spice flavor.

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Q + A's

More Fancy Drink Recipes

If you're a fancy drink lover and enjoyed this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini recipe, you'll adore trying these next:

• Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte
• Best White Russian Mocktail
• Apple Caramel Espresso Martini 
• Fancy Hot Honey Lemon Mocktail 
• Strawberry Grapefruit Mocktail
• Jamaican Me Happy Mocktail
• Citrus and Honey Mocktail

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Chocolate Espresso Martini recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail]

February 14, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

This Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail] is absolutely perfect for any coffee lover out there, especially on Valentine's Day!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CHAI MAPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
• 4 black tea bags, premium (You can also use chai tea bags instead + omit the spice blend)
• 2 tsps chai spice mix (See Post for actual ingredients)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (Adjust sweetness based on preference)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks, optional

KAHLUA SUBSTITUTE:

• ¼ cup filtered water
• 2 Tbsps organic brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder
• 1 (7.4 oz) can dairy-free condensed milk (I love using Let's Do...Organic)

MOCKTAILS:

• 2 ounces chai maple syrup
• 2 ounces freshly-brewed espresso, cooled (You can use decaf or caffenaited)
• 2 ounces Kahlua substitute
• 2 ounces Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative, optional
• 1 teaspoon molasses

OPTIONAL GARNISH:

• Coconut whipped cream
• Cinnamon sugar, for rims (Stir ½ cup organic cane sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon together)
• Star anise
• Cinnamons sticks

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CHAI MAPLE SYRUP:

• In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the milk and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Add the tea bags and reduce heat to low and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, add the chai spice mix, maple syrup, vanilla, and vanilla sticks, and let everything steep for 5-6 minutes. Let cool.

TO MAKE THE KAHLUA SUBSTITUTE:

• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water and brown sugar, stirring until sugar has dissolved completely, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the espresso powder and condensed milk until smooth and creamy. Let cool.

TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:

• Add all of the martini ingredients together in a cocktail shaker (including the cooled Kahlua sub), shaking well until combined.
• Assemble the martinis: For each martini, grab a good cocktail or martini glass and strain the espresso martini into glass(es) until filled. Top with a spoonful of coconut whipped cream, star anise, cinnamon sticks, or your favorite garnish like the traditional whole coffee beans. NOTE: If using cinnamon sugar rim, add sugar-cinnamon mixture to a flat plate or board, then prior to pouring martinis, lightly wet the rim of glass(es) with water or milk and then turning your glass(es) upside down, twist rim into sugar mixture until coated.
• Sip and Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• KAHLUA: Kahlúa coffee liqueur is one of the main ingredients in many of the world's favorite cocktails. Therefore, to make this recipe non-alcoholic----I created a great simple syrup substitute.
• SWEETENER: You can adjust the amount of sweetener depending on how sweet or unsweet you'd like for your latte to be.
• TEA BAG: You can also use a chai tea bag blend instead if preferred.
• ALCOHOL: If you'd like to keep this recipe dairy-free, but want to spruce things up with alcohol, feel free to add 1 ounce of rum, vodka, etc.
• SERVING: To make additional martinis, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 1mg

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