Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mocktail gives you the best of both worlds: the energy and depth of an espresso martini, paired with the comforting spices of chai. The homemade chai maple syrup and Kahlua substitute come together to create a delightful, balanced drink, making it a great choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or a fun mocktail at a party. Plus, the optional coconut whipped cream and cinnamon garnish elevate the presentation!

Ingredients

For the Chai Maple Syrup:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
• 4 black tea bags (premium; you can also use chai tea bags and omit the spice blend)
• 2 teaspoons chai spice mix (see post for actual ingredients)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (adjust based on your preferred sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks (optional)

For the Kahlua Substitute:

• ¼ cup filtered water
• 2 tablespoons 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)

For the Mocktail:

• 2 ounces chai maple syrup
• 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso, cooled (you can use decaf or caffeinated)
• 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
• Cinnamon sticks

Directions

Make the Chai Maple Syrup:

1. Brew the chai: In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat. Once warm, add the tea bags and chai spice mix. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
2. Sweeten the syrup: After removing the tea bags, stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks (if using). Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

Make the Kahlua Substitute:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the filtered water, brown sugar, instant coffee or espresso powder, and dairy-free condensed milk.
2. Simmer: Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely and everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Mocktail:

1. Mix the mocktail ingredients: In a shaker, add 2 ounces of the chai maple syrup, 2 ounces of the freshly brewed espresso, 2 ounces of the Kahlua substitute, and 2 ounces of the Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative (if using). Add the molasses and fill the shaker with ice.
2. Shake it up: Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
3. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Optional Garnish:

1. Rim the glass: If you’d like to add cinnamon sugar to the rim of your glass, dip the rim into a little bit of water, then dip it into the cinnamon sugar mix.
2. Add whipped cream and garnishes: Top with coconut whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields one serving.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time (for the syrups): 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Decaf option: Use decaf espresso for a more relaxed version of this drink.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of ginger juice for an extra kick in the chai flavors.
• Non-dairy milk: Experiment with different plant-based milks like oat milk or coconut milk for varying creaminess and flavor.
• Make it sweeter: If you like a sweeter drink, add a bit more maple syrup or a drizzle of agave nectar.

Storage

• Store the syrups: You can make extra chai maple syrup and Kahlua substitute ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The mocktail can be made fresh or stored in the fridge (shaken again before serving).

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can use dairy milk if you don’t need it to be vegan, but almond or oat milk adds a nice creamy texture without overpowering the flavors.

Can I use regular sugar instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute the maple syrup with an equal amount of regular sugar or brown sugar, but the maple syrup adds a unique flavor that complements the chai spice.

Is the Kahlua substitute necessary?

If you don’t have time to make the Kahlua substitute, you can omit it or use a store-bought vegan coffee liqueur. However, the homemade version adds richness and a more personalized flavor.

Conclusion

The Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy any time you want the flavor and comfort of a classic espresso martini but without the alcohol. The combination of chai spices, espresso, and a touch of maple sweetness makes this drink utterly delicious and warming. The optional coconut whipped cream and cinnamon sugar rim elevate it into a special treat that everyone will enjoy!

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