I love vanilla chai tea. Seriously, it's the only tea I drink. Well, maybe sweet tea, too, sometimes, but that's basically sugar water. For a while now, chai tea's been my afternoon coffee substitute when I don't need too much caffeine but need enough to stay focused on work. Then, inspiration struck.
Let's make this more fun with a chai tea martini.
I learned long ago that adding vodka to sweet tea does not make it "sweet tea vodka." I then learned that making sweet tea vodka is crazy easy. And naturally, so is chai tea vodka. Whenever you can infuse booze with your own flavor, do it. It will be much better than the (probably) artificial flavor a liquor company uses.
For the cocktail, I used Stoli vanilla and vanilla creamer because the tea's spice can stand up to all the 'nilla, and I can never get enough vanilla in my life. I can also never get enough of this drink in my life. You'll need your pinkie out for this one.
Chai Tea Martini
Makes 1
Chai Tea-Infused Vodka:
4 chai tea bags
16 ounces vodka
Place tea bags in a glass jar and fill with vodka. Let sit 48 hours (24 hours if you couldn't wait, like me). Give it a shake every now and again because it's fun, not necessary. If you have a 12-ounce jar, just use 3 tea bags.
Cocktail:
4 ounces chai tea-infused vodka
1-2 ounces simple syrup
Cream, or creamer
Chocolate shavings
Use the vodka to fill your martini glass 75-percent full (martini glasses vary in size, and I don't know what size your's is. Mine seemed to be about 5 ounces), then add simple syrup. Add more syrup as desired since chai tea is typically served pretty sweet. Shake the drink inside an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Pour back into glass and add a splash of cream. If you fancy like me, shave some chocolate on top to really impress your guests.
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This article appears in Oct 8-14, 2015.