A Chocolate Martini is like dessert in a glass—smooth, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s the kind of drink that makes you slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re ending a dinner party or treating yourself after a long day, this cocktail brings a little luxury to any occasion.
Chocolate Martini
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I picked up along the way: chilling your glass and using good-quality chocolate liqueur makes all the difference. Let’s break it down so you can make a Chocolate Martini that’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 45 ml (1.5 oz) vodka
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) crème de cacao
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or Mozart)
– 30 ml (1 oz) heavy cream (*or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version*)
– Ice (enough to fill half a shaker)
– Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (*optional*)
Method
- Start by chilling your martini glass. Either pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep.
- In a cocktail shaker, pour in the vodka, crème de cacao, and chocolate liqueur.
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker—about halfway full is good. Then, shake it well for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Dump the ice out of your glass if you used that method to chill it. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into the glass. This helps it float slightly and gives that beautiful layered effect. Gently stir if you prefer it fully blended.
- Top with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder, if you’d like.
Tips for Success
– Use good-quality chocolate liqueur—it’s the star of the show.
– Shake the drink well so everything blends smoothly and chills properly.
– Want a lighter option? Swap the cream for half-and-half or even almond milk.
– If you’re out of crème de cacao, a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) adds a delicious twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the vodka, crème de cacao, and chocolate liqueur a few hours ahead—just keep it chilled in the fridge. Add the cream just before serving.
If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake or stir before pouring, as the cream may separate.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
– Fresh strawberries: Their natural sweetness and slight tartness balance the richness of the drink.
– Salted nuts: Almonds or cashews add a crunchy contrast and bring out the chocolate flavor.
– Cheesecake: The tangy creaminess of cheesecake and the martini’s chocolatey notes are a match made in dessert heaven.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it always brings a smile—and it feels like a little celebration in a glass.
Variations to Try
Mint Chocolate Martini
– Add a splash (about 7 ml / 0.25 oz) of crème de menthe to the standard mix.
– Shake as usual for a refreshing minty twist.
Spicy Chocolate Martini
– Infuse your vodka with chili flakes or a slice of fresh chili for a day.
– Use it in the base recipe for a subtle, warming heat.
White Chocolate Martini
– Swap the regular chocolate liqueur for white chocolate liqueur.
– Follow the same steps for a creamy, vanilla-forward version.
Virgin Chocolate Martini
– Mix chocolate milk with a splash of almond extract.
– Serve in a chilled martini glass with a swirl of chocolate syrup for garnish.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Try flavored vodka like vanilla or espresso for a new spin.
– Cream: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
– Chocolate liqueur: Adjust sweetness by choosing dark or white varieties.
Common Questions
Can I make it without vodka?
Yes! Just use a bit more chocolate liqueur or a non-alcoholic spirit to keep the flavor bold.
What’s the best chocolate for garnish?
Go for a good-quality dark chocolate bar. Use a vegetable peeler to create pretty curls.
Is it possible to make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap in plant-based milk and make sure your chocolate liqueur doesn’t contain dairy.
How do I tone down the sweetness?
Use a less sweet chocolate liqueur or add a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to balance things out.
How do I get that velvety texture?
Shake the cocktail hard—about 15 seconds. That gets everything cold and silky smooth.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Mix everything except the cream ahead of time, chill, then shake and serve individually with cream added last.
A Chocolate Martini is more than just a drink—it’s a little escape, a sweet reward, and a conversation starter all in one. Whether you’re making it for guests or just treating yourself, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up something that feels so special.
