Chocolate Martini

When it comes to favorite martini recipes, the indulgent Chocolate Martini tends to be at the top of everyone’s list, not just chocolate lovers. The good news is you don’t have to go out to a fancy bar or restaurant to have one.

 

What is a Chocolate Martini?

There are many opinions out there about what makes an authentic, classic chocolate martini recipe. Traditionally, a chocolate martini is made up of vodka, chocolate liqueur, a cream liqueur or creme de cocoa. 

You can also use a vanilla vodka for a chocolate and vanilla flavor. Or add mini chocolate chips to the bottom of the glass for a fun surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Chocolate Martini

With a simple ingredient list and plenty of decadent chocolate, what’s not to love about this creamy cocktail?

• Full of wonderful chocolate flavor – With the chocolate drizzle inside, grated chocolate on top and sweet liqueurs, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a boozy dessert.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth – This easy recipe is the perfect cocktail to get your wind down drink and dessert all in one.
• Great for celebrations – Not only are these delicious cocktails the perfect chocolate lovers martini, but they’re great for a birthday celebration, Valentine’s Day cocktail or a cheers to the weekend.

Chocolate Liquor vs. Chocolate Liqueur vs. Liquor

You may be wondering what is the difference between chocolate liquor and chocolate liqueur. 

Despite the name, chocolate liquor has no alcohol. It is actually a thick, dark paste which is a product of grinding cocoa beans after they are roasted and hulled. 

Chocolate liqueur is a distilled spirit made with cocoa beans and contains flavors of chocolate and often vanilla. 

Liquor is a distilled spirit made from grains or plants. Think brandy, gin, rum, vodka and whisky. 

• Chocolate Liqueur: Distilled spirit with cocoa bean and chocolate flavor – contains alcohol
• Liquor: Distilled Spirit made from grains or plants – contains alcohol

Chocolate Martini Garnishes

If you want to take the presentation up a notch, you can get fancy with your garnishes. You can add whatever you’d like to, but here are some of my suggestions:

• Chocolate shavings
• Extra chocolate syrup
• Sliced strawberries
• Fresh raspberries

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this chocolate vodka martini is quite simple. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Chocolate syrup – Use your favorite brand of chocolate sauce here. Hershey’s is my personal favorite.
• Cocoa powder – We use this for coating the rim of the glass. It sticks to the chocolate syrup, and enhances each sip of this easy cocktail.
• Vodka – I like to use regular Tito’s here, but you can also use a specialty liquor like vanilla or espresso vodka to take it up a notch.
• Chocolate liqueur – My favorite chocolate liqueur to use is the Godiva chocolate liqueur. I’m sure each person has their own version of best chocolate liqueurs, so just use your favorite.
• Bailey’s Irish Cream – Not only does this Irish cream liqueur add delicious flavor, but it also adds a creamy, velvety texture that makes this a truly decadent martini.
• Ice – A handful of ice is crucial to making all classic martinis. When shaken in a martini shaker, it chills the simple ingredients for the perfect refreshing temperature.

Variations

There is no one right way to make a good chocolate martini. Here are a few suggestions to make it your own:

• Make it creamier – Although I think the Bailey’s does the trick, you can also add a splash of heavy cream to take the creamy factor up a notch.
• Garnish – Make up some chocolate covered strawberries and serve them on the side as a garnish for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
• Make it an espresso martini – Substitute the regular vodka for espresso vodka instead to give this simple chocolate martini a real kick.
• Rim – Instead of rimming with cocoa powder, try dipping the rim in shaved chocolate pieces.
• White chocolate – Swap out the chocolate liqueur for white chocolate liqueur instead. Godiva makes a great one.

How to Make a Chocolate Martini

Grab your martini glasses, this delicious cocktail recipe is perfect for a special occasion or just an after dinner drink. And so easy to make too!

1. Chocolate syrup. Prepare the inside of the glass by adding a swirl of chocolate syrup inside of the martini glass and coating the rim.
2. Coat rim. Dip the chocolate coated rim into cocoa powder that is poured out on a small plate.
3. Add liquor. Fill an ice-filled cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, chocolate liqueur and Irish Cream.
4. Shake. Give it a vigorous shake for 30 seconds and pour into prepared glass.
5. Garnish. Top with additional cocoa powder if desired.

Chocolate Martini Pairing Suggestions

This dessert cocktail is such a treat on it’s own, and typically served at the completion of a meal. If you are looking to serve this with dessert, I would concentrate on fruit forward desserts that would naturally pair well with chocolate. 

Think about recipes that contain strawberries and raspberries. Here are some suggestions:

• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
• Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups

More Chocolate Recipes to try 

If you are still craving chocolate after this recipe, check these out!