If you’re craving a sweet, chocolatey cocktail that tastes just like your favorite childhood candy—but with a grown-up twist—this one’s for you. The Tootsie Roll cocktail is rich, creamy, and just a little citrusy. It’s simple to make, fun to serve, and always a hit at dessert time or themed parties. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a little trick I learned: fresh orange juice makes all the difference.
Tootsie Roll
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Rocks glass or Martini glass for a fancier touch
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh orange juice (store-bought works too, but fresh is brighter)
– 1 oz (30 ml) crème de cacao (dark or white—your choice)
– Ice
– Optional garnish: orange twist or chocolate shavings
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the coffee liqueur, orange juice, and crème de cacao.
- Shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, or serve straight up in a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist if you like. It adds a lovely citrus aroma that balances the sweetness.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh orange juice whenever possible. It gives the drink a cleaner, brighter flavor.
– Don’t skimp on the shake! You want everything to chill and mix thoroughly. A good shake also gives the drink a silky texture.
– If you like your drinks a little less sweet, try using half the crème de cacao or add a splash of dark chocolate bitters for depth.
– For a creamier version, swap out the coffee liqueur for chocolate liqueur.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the ingredients (without ice) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just shake with ice and pour. The fresh shake brings back that chilled, smooth texture.
Storage
Leftovers? Store any unused mix (without ice) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Shake before serving again.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail makes a great after-dinner treat. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after cocktails—this one pairs beautifully with:
– Chocolate desserts like brownies or mousse
– Salted mixed nuts (the salty crunch balances the sweetness)
– A cheese board with sharp cheddar or aged gouda
Variations to Try
Chocolate Orange Martini
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) vodka to the classic recipe
– Serve in a chilled martini glass with an orange peel garnish
Frozen Tootsie Roll
– Blend all ingredients with a handful of ice until smooth
– Serve in a frosty hurricane glass with a straw
Spiked Tootsie Roll
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) bourbon for a smoky, grown-up twist
– Stir instead of shaking and serve over ice
Non-Alcoholic Tootsie Roll
– Mix chocolate milk with a splash of orange juice or a drop of orange extract
– Serve over ice with a fun straw for a candy-inspired mocktail
Substitutions
– No coffee liqueur? Use chocolate liqueur or even a splash of cold brew concentrate.
– Don’t have crème de cacao? Try chocolate syrup in a pinch, though it’ll be a bit sweeter.
– Want it dairy-free? Make sure your liqueurs are dairy-free, or use a plant-based chocolate liqueur.
Watch Out For…
– Too much sweetness: This drink can get sugary fast. Taste and adjust as needed.
– Using shelf-stable juice: Some bottled juices can taste flat or too sweet. If using, go for one with no added sugar.
– Skipping the shake: Stirring won’t give you the same smooth, chilled texture.
Why This Combo Works
The coffee liqueur brings a deep, roasted note that mimics the candy’s cocoa base. Crème de cacao adds that unmistakable chocolate flavor. And orange juice? It brightens everything up, just like the subtle citrus note in a real Tootsie Roll. It’s all about balance—sweet, rich, and just a little zesty.
FAQs
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes! Just scale the ingredients up and mix in a pitcher. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
What’s the best garnish?
An orange twist is classic, but chocolate shavings or even a mini Tootsie Roll candy on the rim can be a fun touch.
Is it really like the candy?
Pretty close! It’s not exact, but the chocolate and orange combo brings back all those nostalgic flavors.
Can I make it less boozy?
Sure—use smaller amounts of liqueur, or try mixing one part liqueur with one part milk to mellow it out.
Is there caffeine in it?
Yes, if you’re using coffee liqueur. If you’re avoiding caffeine, swap it for chocolate liqueur instead.
This cocktail has been my go-to for cozy nights in or fun dessert parties. It’s playful, nostalgic, and always gets people talking. Whether you’re serving it over ice or blending it into a frozen treat, the Tootsie Roll cocktail is a little glass of joy.
