The chocolate martini is an insanely easy and indulgent cocktail that might feel more like a dessert. Which I have zero complaints about.
It's the perfect way to end a dinner party during the holiday season. Simple, with minimal ingredients, and delicious every time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor: Combines creamy Irish liqueur with decadent chocolate liqueur for the ultimate chocolate fix.
Smooth and creamy texture: It’s like drinking dessert with an indulgent, velvety mouthfeel.
Eye-catching presentation: Drizzled chocolate sauce and shavings make it look as luxurious as it tastes.
Easy to make: Just a quick shake and pour, but it feels upscale and impressive.
Versatile for occasions: Perfect for special gatherings or cozy nights in, adding a touch of elegance to any moment.
Customizable with extras: You can add a splash of cream for extra richness or experiment with flavored vodkas.
Ingredients
Vodka (1½ oz): Provides a clean, neutral base to balance the sweetness. It keeps the drink from being too heavy while giving it a slight edge.
Irish cream liqueur (1 oz): Adds a creamy, smooth texture with hints of chocolate and vanilla. It enhances the dessert feel of the martini without overpowering the other flavors.
Chocolate liqueur (1 oz): The star of the show, this liqueur delivers an intense chocolate flavor. It pairs perfectly with the Irish cream and amplifies the rich, dessert-like quality.
Chocolate sauce (for glass garnish): Drizzled inside the glass, it creates a visual and textural contrast (optional).
Chocolate shavings (for garnish): A final flourish that adds elegance and extra chocolate intensity. It also provides a bit of texture, making each sip feel more luxurious. But the best part? THE SMELL. The smell of grated chocolate is sooooooooo good.
How to Make a Chocolate Martini
Prepare the glass (optional):
- Take a chilled martini glass, and drizzle chocolate sauce around the inside. Go for a spiral or freeform drizzle if you want.
- Put the glass in the freezer for a few minutes to set the chocolate and keep the drink nice and cold.
Fill the shaker with ice:
- Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with ice. This will get your martini perfectly chilled.
Add the ingredients:
- Pour in 1½ oz vodka, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, and 1 oz chocolate liqueur.
- If you want an extra-creamy martini, add a small splash of heavy cream here.
Shake it up:
- Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The goal is to get everything well-mixed and super cold.
Strain into the prepared glass:
- Take your martini glass out of the freezer (if you chose to freeze it) and strain the cocktail into it.
Garnish with chocolate shavings:
- Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. This adds a little texture and an extra touch of elegance.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Infuse your vodka: If you have time, try infusing your vodka with cacao nibs. Let it sit for 24-48 hours to develop a deep, chocolatey taste without added sweetness.
Chocolate bitters: A few drops of chocolate bitters can bring depth and complexity, balancing out the sweetness and adding sophistication.
Try a salted rim: Salt can enhance chocolate’s flavor. Rim half of your glass with fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Orange zest: Zest a bit of orange peel into the shaker, or garnish with a twist. The orange aroma elevates the drink’s richness and adds a fresh, citrusy layer.
Garnish with a chocolate truffle: Serve with a mini chocolate truffle on the side or on a cocktail pick. It’s an edible garnish that pairs perfectly.
Add spice: A pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or chili powder mixed into the chocolate sauce gives it a subtle kick and a warm finish.
More Awesome Cocktail Recipes
📖 Recipe
Classic Chocolate Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- chocolate sauce for garnishing the glass
- chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the glass: Rim a martini glass with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside if you want an extra fancy look.
- Shake it up: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and chocolate liqueur. Shake until chilled (about 15 seconds).
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
- Garnish (optional): Top with chocolate shavings or a small piece of chocolate for garnish.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: If you can, use premium vodka and liqueurs for a smoother taste. Brands like Grey Goose for vodka and Baileys for Irish cream work beautifully (I didn't use Baileys this time, only because I didn't have it on hand).
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavored vodka, like vanilla or chocolate, for an extra layer of taste.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes one martini. Feel free to multiply the ingredients for a batch to share!
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the liqueurs with chocolate syrup and milk for a delicious mocktail version.
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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