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This chocolate martini combines the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla in martini form, creating the perfect dessert cocktail, nightcap, or after dinner drink. This recipe is inspired by my espresso martini, however, it was more of a challenge to get it just right.
While the exact origins of the chocolate martini are uncertain, it gained popularity in the 1990s as a modern twist on the classic vodka martini.
My recipe features vanilla vodka, dark Creme De Cocoa, creamy chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream. The cream is integral to giving the cocktail extra body and richness. Without it, the cocktail can start to feel a little thin.
If you enjoyed this drink, also try my holiday eggnog cocktail and my classic Irish Coffee recipe! If you’re looking for a similar frozen concoction, you can’t miss my 3 ingredient frozen mudslide recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Vanilla vodka: I like to use vanilla vodka because it adds a nice touch of vanilla flavor. You can use regular vodka as well. I like Stoli Vanilla.
- Creme de Cocoa: I recommend dark Creme de Cocoa however I also use white Creme de Cocoa a lot. Some brands are clear, regardless of the style while others are darker. Most taste similar.
- Chocolate liqueur: while I prefer milk chocolate liqueur, you can use dark or milk chocolate liqueur almost interchangeably in this recipe. The addition of cream will add any texture and creaminess lacking from dark chocolate liqueur. Dark chocolate liqueurs will result in a slightly less milk chocolate flavor. I like Trader Vic’s or Mozart brands.
- Cream: cream adds richness and body. It helps to add the signature creamy milk chocolate flavor. Heavy cream is of course the most rich but you can also use light cream, half and half, Irish cream, or even whole milk in a pinch.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make a Chocolate Martini
Step 1.
Coat the rim of a chilled glass in melted chocolate or chocolate syrup.
Step 2.
Combine vodka, Creme de Cacao, chocolate liqueur, and cream in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice.
Step 3.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into the glass (image 3a). Top with freshly grated dark chocolate or nutmeg and serve (image 3b).
Expert Tips
- You can use dark or milk chocolate liqueur almost interchangeably in this recipe. The addition of cream will add any texture and creaminess lacking from the dark chocolate liqueur. Dark chocolate liqueurs will result in slightly less milk chocolate flavor.
- If you like the flavor of Irish cream (such as Bailey’s), you can use that in place of cream and even increase the ratio to 3/4-1 ounce.
- Freeze your glasses ahead of time. This will keep your cocktail chilled for longer.
- The perfect chocolate martini starts with a chocolate rim and is finished with freshly grated dark chocolate or a fine dusting of cocoa powder.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Chocolate Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka, I like Stoli Vanilla, Grey Goose
- 1 ounce Creme de Cocoa, pref dark
- 1 ounce milk or dark chocolate liqueur, Trader Vic's, ChocoLat, Mozart (see note below)
- 1/2-3/4 ounce heavy cream, half and half or Irish cream
- Grated chocolate for topping
Instructions
- Coat the rim of a chilled glass in melted chocolate or chocolate syrup.
- Combine vodka, Creme de Cacao, chocolate liqueur, and cream in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into the glass. Top with freshly grated dark chocolate or nutmeg and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You can’t get Godiva. It has been discontinued for some time.
I still see it from time to time. I’ve been using Trader Vic’s for a while.
Nice Recipe! I personally added some aquafaba and gave it a thorough reverse dry shake the foam comes out really nice and thick with considerably smaller bubbles so that foamy had will stay around a lot longer. If you are not a fan of aquafaba then you could swap it out for Ms Better Bitters Miraculous Foamer. Thanks for this tasty one!
The chocolate martinis that I have had used of course the vanilla vodka, also the good diver chocolate. The martini glass was frozen in the same freezer as the frozen beer mugs they were very cold the bartender used a spray bottle of vermouth to spray around the inside of the glass Making a dry martini who wants to run all that with vermouth! Powerful drink!!
I was on a cruise and got my first chocolate martini, I think they use ice cream.