Chocolate Martini

This chocolate martini recipe proves that drinkable desserts can be just as delicious as the kind you stick a fork into. Creamy and shamelessly decadent, this three-ingredient drink is like the easy cocktail version of mousse, minus the stirring, whipping, folding and chilling.

If your home bar is stocked with vodka, chocolate liqueur and Irish cream, this is an after-dinner drink you can serve tonight, saving you from the hassle of baking. The next time you need a nightcap to serve at the denouement of an evening—be it date night, a dinner party or a just-because—reach for your shaker and try this simple chocolate martini recipe.

Chocolate Martini Ingredients

• Irish cream liqueur: This chocolate martini recipe is the perfect excuse to break out that bottle of Baileys Irish cream. No Baileys? Try this homemade Irish cream recipe.
• Chocolate liqueur: Godiva and Mozart make two of the most popular chocolate liqueurs on the market. If you’re in the mood for some DIY, you can also make homemade chocolate liqueur.
• Vodka: Regular or flavored vodka (more on that in a bit) is the foundation of any chocolate martini recipe. Save your top-shelf vodka brands for regular martinis; a solid, budget-friendly vodka is great here.
• Garnishes: All the best chocolate martini recipes top things off with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup around the rim of the glass. Caramel, candied citrus, cookie crumbs and chocolate sprinkles are fun options, too.

Directions

Step 1: Build the cocktail

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Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

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Add the Irish cream liqueur, chocolate liqueur and vodka, then secure the lid.

Step 2: Shake the cocktail

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Shake well for 10 to 15 seconds, until condensation forms on the outside of the cocktail shaker.

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Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Editor’s Tip: Before mixing up your chocolate martinis, dip the rim of the chilled glass in chocolate syrup and drizzle some extra chocolate syrup around the inside the glass. After all, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!

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Chocolate Martini Variations

• Use flavored vodka: Dozens of flavored vodkas work so, so well in chocolate martinis. A few of my favorite picks are orange, vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint, cherry and coconut.
• Make a nutty chocolate martini: Use amaretto, Frangelico or pistachio liqueur to add some sweet nuttiness to a chocolate martini.
• Add half-and-half: For a creamier, more decadent chocolate martini, add 1 ounce of half-and-half or heavy whipping cream. Vegan and dairy-free folks can use coconut cream, which has the added benefit of transforming your nightcap into a dreamy chocolate coconut cocktail.

Can you make chocolate martinis ahead of time?

Make-ahead chocolate martinis last ages when you store them in an airtight container in the fridge, especially when using a chocolate martini recipe that doesn’t involve cream. For best results, enjoy them within a week, and remember to stir or shake the cocktails with ice before pouring them into glasses.

If you’re planning to drizzle chocolate syrup on the stemware, don’t forget to prep the cocktail glasses in advance. Dip the rims in chocolate, and pop the glasses in the fridge or freezer until it’s time to serve the martinis.

Chocolate Martini Recipe Tips

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Can you use creme de cacao instead of chocolate liqueur in chocolate martinis?

Creme de cacao is a type of chocolate liqueur. The “creme” in the name is a bit misleading—it refers to added sugar rather than to any inherent creaminess. While creme de cacao lacks the richness of chocolate liqueur, it still makes delicious chocolate martinis. Add a little chocolate syrup if you’re going this route.

What can you serve with a chocolate martini?

When pairing cocktails or wine with dessert, the contents of your glass should be sweeter than the dish in front of you. Generally speaking, all things chocolate will pair well with your chocolate martini, especially if you’re using dark or bittersweet chocolate. Silky chocolate mousse and chocolate tarts rank high on the list, but rich, fudgy brownies and truffles make easy-yet-sensational pairings, too. For something lighter, try chocolate-covered fruit.