Masala Chai Martini Cocktail Recipe

Masala Chai Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Masala Chai Martini is a fusion of two popular drinks - the classic Indian Masala Chai and the sophisticated Martini. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the warm, spicy flavors of chai tea and the elegance of a martini. It is especially popular during the colder months and is a hit at holiday parties.

How Masala Chai Martini Tastes?

The Masala Chai Martini has a complex taste profile, combining the warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors of chai tea with the smooth, strong, and slightly bitter taste of a classic martini. The result is a well-balanced, rich, and satisfying cocktail.

Interesting facts about Masala Chai Martini

  • The Masala Chai Martini is a modern fusion cocktail, combining elements from both Indian and Western cultures.
  • The spices used in chai tea, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, are believed to have numerous health benefits.
  • The word 'chai' actually means 'tea' in Hindi, so saying 'chai tea' is technically redundant.

Ingredients

  • Masala chai tea: 1
  • Vodka: 2
  • Simple syrup: 0.5
  • Lemon juice: 0.5
  • Ice: 1 cup
  • Star anise: 1
  • Cinnamon stick: 1

A few good options for Masala Chai Martini are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Masala Chai Tea

A blend of black tea and heartwarming spices like cardamom, cloves, and ginger. It's the soul of our martini! If you skimp on it, you'll miss the warm hug it gives. Go overboard, and you'll drown in spices. If black tea's not your cup of tea, try Rooibos for a twist; it'll bring a nutty, woody flavor but skip the caffeine buzz.

Mary Mitkina

Vodka

A neutral spirit that lets the chai shine while giving the martini its backbone. Too little, and your martini is just spiced tea. Too much, and you're signing up for a wild night. If vodka's not your pal, white rum could be a playful substitute, adding a little sweetness to the mix.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Sweetness to balance the spice and tang, like a sprinkle of sugar in your tea. Too much makes it a liquid dessert; too little might leave your taste buds in a spice chokehold. Swap it with honey for an earthy sweetness or maple syrup for autumn vibes.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

It's like a splash in the face, waking up the flavors and slicing through the sweet. Miss it, and the drink slumbers in sweetness; abuse it, and the sourness might kick too hard. A lime could step in, bringing a sharper, tropical twist.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

The unsung hero that chills the drama. No ice means a lukewarm reality check. Too much, and you're in dilution disillusion. Just enough and it's like a cool breeze on a spicy Indian summer day.

Mary Mitkina

Star Anise

It's the exotic hat on top. Forget it and your martini lacks that star quality. Just right, and each sip comes with a licorice-like encore.

Alex Green

Cinnamon Stick

Not just a garnish but a wand that stirs the potion with warm, woody magic. Leave it out, and you lose a layer of mystical warmth. It's also a stirring conversation starter!

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Masala Chai Martini Drink

  1. Brew a strong cup of masala chai tea and let it cool.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled chai tea, vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a star anise and a cinnamon stick.

Pro Tips

  • To enhance the chai flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to the shaker before shaking.
  • For a creamier version, try adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream to the shaker.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Samosas: The spices in the samosas will complement the masala chai flavors.
  • Aloo Tikki: The potato base provides a neutral palate that pairs well with the cocktail's complexity.

Desserts

  • Gulab Jamun: The cocktail's spiciness balances the sweetness of these syrupy treats.
  • Carrot Halwa: A sweet carrot pudding that matches the warm spice notes of the Masala Chai Martini.

Cheese

  • Aged Cheddar: Its sharpness pairs nicely with the aromatic spices from the tea.
  • Gouda: The sweet notes of Gouda can balance the cocktail's zest.

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What you could change in Masala Chai Martini

  • You can replace the vodka with gin for a different flavor profile.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a sweetener.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Chai White Russian

  • Replace vodka with coffee liqueur.
  • Add a splash of cream. This twist turns the martini into a creamy delight with a coffee kick, perfect for those who enjoy their tea with milk and their cocktails with a caffeine buzz.

Spiced Rum Chai-tini

  • Swap vodka with spiced rum.
  • A touch of orange zest garnish. Adding spiced rum infuses the cocktail with vanilla and caramel notes, while orange zest brings a dash of citrus brightness, making it a festive choice for holiday gatherings.

Hot Masala Chai-tini

  • Serve the concoction hot instead of chilled.
  • Omit the ice and warm the chai before mixing.
  • Add whipped cream on top. A cozy, warm version for chilly nights, the whipped cream adds a comforting, creamy texture that's like wrapping your taste buds in a warm blanket.

In case you forgot basics how to make Masala Chai Martini

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Masala Chai Martini

What is the origin of the Martini?

The Martini is said to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. However, its true origins are still debated today.

What type of glass is best for serving a Martini?

Traditionally, Martinis are served in a specific type of glass called a Martini glass. It has a long stem and a wide, triangular bowl.

Can I replace vodka with another type of alcohol apart from gin in the Masala Chai Martini?

Yes, you can also replace vodka with rum or whiskey. However, be aware that this will greatly change the cocktail's flavor.

What is the best time to enjoy a Masala Chai Martini?

While there is no specific time, a Masala Chai Martini can be enjoyed as a post-dinner drink due to its warm, spicy flavors. It is popular in cold seasons and during holiday parties.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of Masala Chai Martini?

Yes, you can substitute the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply omit it to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this delicious cocktail.

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