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7 Tea Martinis That Are Redefining Cocktail Culture
Tea can be a great way to switch up the espresso martini trend.
Espresso martinis have been trending for a long time now, but not everyone is into the flavors of coffee – isn't it time to give tea its moment in the cocktail spotlight?
What Is A Tea Martini?
We all are familiar with a classic martini, usually a chilled glass involving a vodka or gin base and then perhaps a bit of vermouth and olive or a twist. A tea martini is a twist in itself, as it'll include that vodka or gin, and probably the lemon twist as well, but also incorporate a tea element, such as Earl Grey or matcha or chai, as the base.
Why Should You Try A Tea Martini?
Seriously, why not try it? The infusion of tea in a spirit has a complex flavor and brings a sophistication to that martini. And, you can play with it to make it what you want to be, by switching up the type of tea, spirits, and sweeteners you incorporate.
Honeypenny at Shinji's in New York City.
At Shinji's in New York City, beverage director Jonathan Adler created this tea martini featuring Bombay Sapphire Gin, Beeswax Vodka, Vesper Aperitif (made from chamomile, Calendula golden raisins, honeysuckle, cinchona bark, nutritional yeast, Honey and Grey Goose vodka), mead, Cocchi Americano, and water.
"Derived from the classic Vesper martini, everything surrounding this drink is a reference to James Bond. James Bond's original secretary was named Moneypenny and because there are many honey notes in the cocktail, we named it Honeypenny. Normally Bond drinks his martinis shaken not stirred which some say over-dillutes the drink. Our vesper is neither shaken nor stirred, rather poured directly out of the bottle, at perfect dilution, for immediate enjoyment. The Vesper Aperitif which includes chamomile as one of its botanicals adds a subtle floral and herbaceous note to the drink."
Church Hill Chai at Gather & Hem in Richmond, Virginia/
At Gather & Hem in Richmond, Virginia, named for Richmond's historic Church Hill district, this martini combines chai tea, caramel, Baileys, and Sazerac rye, topped with star anise. Smooth and spicy with none of the jitters, the Church Hill Chai knocks the espresso martini off its pedestal.
'Richmond's history meets mixology in the Church Hill Chai, a tea-forward approach to the martini. Layered with spice and depth, this cocktail trades caffeine for character," said Miri Imburg, General Manager.
Matcha Martini at Leven Deli Co. in Denver.
At Leven Deli Co. in Denver, this cocktail is made with freshly whisked matcha, Jin Jiji India dry gin, honey simple, fresh lemon juice, lavender and an edible flower garnish.
"With its bright green color, our matcha martini is a lighter way to celebrate the summer season. This martini is a great addition to our menu alongside the espresso martini for breakfast or lunch. The flavors are earthy, with fresh citrus tones, a botanical spirit and floral sweetness," said Ryan Hennessy, Leven Bar Manager.
Matchatini at Hudson VU in New York City.
At Hudson VU in New York City, the Matchatini is a modern and unexpected alternative to the espresso martini.
It's a smooth and silky martini with Gray Whale gin, coconut milk adding a velvety texture, and matcha. The earthy flavor of the matcha is paired with almond bitters, lime for tartness and pineapple juice for a tropical note. Served in a Nick and Nora glass with a stunning dried baby's breath flower garnish and a sprinkle of coconut, the cocktail is layered and balanced -- and tastes as good as it looks!
Adrian Foster, head bartender of Hudson VU says: 'Inspired by the growing love for matcha as a clean, feel-good energy source, the Matchatini offers a fresher take on the classic espresso martini. While the espresso martini leans rich and intense, the Matchatini is a more vibrant option that still delivers a gentle energy boost, thanks to the matcha, without the crash of espresso or added sugar. It's perfect for daytime sipping or warm-weather occasions when you want something spirited but not too heavy.'
Chaitini at Tailor in Nashville, Tennessee.
At Tailor in Nashville, Tennessee, they are known for their tasting menu experience that blends South Asian flavors with Southern hospitality, led by culinary creator Vivek Surti.
The Chaitini brings Tailor's beloved house chai into cocktail form, combining Buffalo Trace bourbon, Licor 43, Lustau Solera Superior Cream Sherry, black tea, chai masala and cream. The result is bold and warming, with spiced depth and a silky finish.
'Even before I started drinking chai, my day revolved around it; I remember vividly my parents and grandparents bringing out their chai supplies in the morning, boiling water, warming up milk and going through the daily morning ritual of making chai. Our signature chai recipe comes from my dad, who worked on his recipe for a decade before perfecting it, and every dinner service at Tailor ends with a cup of Dad's homemade chai. It's a tradition guests look forward at each visit, and in the past year, we've expanded on that ritual by offering chai in cocktail form as a Chaitini," said Vivek Surti, founder and owner of Tailor.
Matcha Made Me Do It at W Philadelphia's WET Bar.
At W Philadelphia's WET Bar, this cocktail is made with Bacardi Superior Rum, strawberry infused vodka, dry vermouth, and matcha.
Beverage Director Isai Xolalpa says: 'A strawberry matcha is a rising summer drink and served as the inspiration for this cocktail. At W Philadelphia's WET Bar, we craft our menus for mindful consumption, which is why featuring matcha as a better-for-you alternative to the beloved espresso martini was our answer to a lighter, brighter, slightly caffeinated poolside martini to sip.'
Good Intentions Martini at Atria in Flagstaff, Arizona.
At Atria in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Good Intentions Martini is a soft, elegant drink, with lavender tea as a foundation, and leans into one of the season's most beloved botanicals: lavender. Both brewed and reduced into a fragrant syrup, it layers botanical depth with butterfly pea-infused gin, bright lemon juice, floral Marigold liqueur, and a cloud of egg white. Blended smooth in an herbaceous, silky sip that feels as calming as it is eye-catching.
"We love playing with ingredients that reflect the mood of the season, and Good Intentions is all about slowing down and savoring something a little unexpected. The lavender tea brings something comforting and slow. It's floral, yes, but with structure. It's delicate but not shy, balanced by the sharpness of lemon and the alpine notes in the Marigold," said Michael Hopper, Bar Manager.
