If your dream after-dinner combo is a dessert + cocktail in one, then this chocolate martini will be a dream come true. Think of a rich chocolate dessert and a boozy bev, all in one delicious sip. With chocolate syrup, chocolate liqueur, and Baileys, this drink takes a simple vodka cocktail to a whole new level. Skip the chocolate-covered strawberries this year—I can’t think of a better way to cap off your Valentine’s Day dinner than with this dessert cocktail. Here’s how to make it the best it can be:
What People Are Saying:
"Delicious!!! Easy to make...loved by all!" - OrangePlane
"Great recipe. Tried it tonight with some friends. Mixed up a batch earlier and just prepped the glasses when we served it. Yum." - sul6821
How To Make Chocolate Martinis
INGREDIENTS
- Chocolate Syrup: Used for the rims and to create tiger stripes in the glasses, chocolate syrup adds another layer of chocolate flavor and gives the drink its distinctive, celebratory look. If you're not feeling the syrup, go ahead and skip it—the cocktail will be just as delicious without it.
- Irish Cream: Baileys is our go-to choice, but you’ve got options when it comes to store-bought Irish cream. Feeling fancy? Make it homemade!
- Chocolate Liqueur: Use whatever brand you prefer. If you can't find chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao will also work.
- Vodka: I like Smirnoff, but your options are wide open. Check out our list of our favorite vodka brands for inspo.
- Shaved Chocolate: More chocolate? Yes! You can totally omit this, but I always feel that a thoughtful garnish telegraphs care and attention. A sprinkling of cocoa powder makes an excellent and super simple swap.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
First, the rims: Pour chocolate syrup onto a small shallow plate to cover the bottom. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup to coat.
Using a circular motion, drizzle the inside of each glass with a thin stream of syrup to create a striped look. If not mixing the cocktail immediately, I recommend chilling the glasses until ready to serve; this will help keep the drinks cold for longer and give the chocolate rims a chance to set a bit.
Now, the cocktail: Pour the Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.
Divide the drink between the rimmed glasses. Using a vegetable peeler, shave some chocolate over the top of each glass if desired, or simply sprinkle some cocoa powder over the top.
Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.
Recipe Tips
- Should a chocolate martini be shaken or stirred? Everyone has their own opinion, but for this recipe I recommend shaking to get the cocktail extra cold.
- How should I garnish my chocolate martini? I love topping mine with shaved chocolate, but a pinch of cocoa powder is a great alternative. But feel free to get creative: A strawberry or mint sprig wouldn't be out of place. You could even add some crushed Oreos to the chocolate rim.
Storage
You can mix the cocktail ingredients in a shaker (without ice) 1 day ahead and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply add ice and shake.