Dirty Chai Espresso Martini mocktail with rich coffee flavor

Why Make This Recipe

The Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail brings a delightful twist to your beverage options. This drink combines the rich flavors of chai and coffee in a fun and festive way. It's perfect if you want to enjoy the soothing taste of chai and the indulgence of an espresso martini without any alcohol. This mocktail is not just enjoyable to drink but also great for social gatherings, brunches, or a cozy evening at home. Plus, it's easy to make!

How to Make Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

Making this mocktail might seem a bit complicated, but it's really quite simple! You'll follow a few steps to prepare the chai maple syrup, make the Kahlua substitute, and finally whip up the mocktail itself. Here's how to do it.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened Almond milk (You can use your favorite plant-based milk)
4 premium black tea bags (You can also use chai tea bags instead and skip the spice blend)
2 teaspoons 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)
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 (Let's Do...Organic is a good brand)
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
Coconut whipped cream
Cinnamon sugar for rims (Mix ½ cup organic cane sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon together)
Star anise
Additional cinnamon sticks

Directions:

To Make the Chai Maple Syrup:

In a small saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil.
Add in the black tea bags and chai spice mix. Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and stir in the maple syrup and brown sugar. Cook for a few more minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

To Make the Kahlua Substitute:

In a small bowl, mix together instant coffee, molasses, and about ¼ cup water until it's combined and smooth. This will mimic the coffee liqueur flavor.

To Make the Mocktails:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled espresso, chai maple syrup, Kahlua substitute, and vanilla extract.
Add the almond milk and shake well until frothy.
Rim your serving glasses with cinnamon sugar. To do this, wet the rim of the glass and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mix.
Pour the mocktail into the prepared glasses.
Top with coconut whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise if you like.

How to Serve Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

Serve your Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers and creamy texture. The cinnamon sugar rim adds a lovely touch. You can enjoy this drink warm or cold. It makes an excellent accompaniment to desserts or as a standalone treat.

How to Store Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

If you have leftover mocktail, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it in a sealed container to maintain its flavor. When ready to drink, give it a good shake to mix everything back together. Avoid storing the coconut whipped cream on top, as it's best fresh.

Tips to Make Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail

If you want to save time, you can make the chai maple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Adjust the sweetness of the mocktail by varying the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar based on your taste.
For an extra kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the chai spice mix.

Variation

Feel free to customize the mocktail by using different types of plant-based milk or adjusting the spices to your liking. You could also use various flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, to enhance the base flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this drink vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan as it uses almond milk and dairy-free condensed milk.

2. How can I make this drink without caffeine?
You can use decaffeinated espresso and skip the instant coffee to keep it caffeine-free.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chai maple syrup and the Kahlua substitute in advance. Assemble the mocktails just before serving.

Conclusion

Making a Dirty Chai Espresso Martini Mocktail is a fun way to enjoy the flavors of chai and coffee without alcohol. It's straightforward, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this mocktail is sure to impress. Enjoy sipping on this delightful blend and sharing it with friends and family!