Creamy Chocolate Martini

published Nov 21, 2021

This ultra-chocolatey martini is what dessert cocktail dreams are made of.

Serves2

Prep5 minutes

Jump to Recipe
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a chocolate martini in a martini glass with a chocolate swirl around the glass and chocolate shavings on top.
Credit: Laura Rege

Satisfy your chocolate cravings with a luxurious (and very grown-up) chocolate martini. This dynamic drink combines all the richness of chocolate with flavored liqueurs and vodka. It’s truly the definition of the perfect dessert cocktail.

What Liqueur Is in a Chocolate Martini?

Typically chocolate martinis are made with chocolate liqueur (like Godiva), vodka, and something creamy such as Baileys or heavy cream. An extra bit of chocolate sauce ups the chocolate flavor.

Should a Martini Be Stirred or Shaken?

While martinis can technically be shaken or stirred, give this one a good shake to make sure all the ingredients come together (chocolate sauce can stick to the bottom of the glass). It’ll also make sure the martini is well-chilled. Practice your best bartender shake by holding the shaker with both hands — one on the top lid and the other on the canister — then shake with intention, moving the cocktail shaker horizontally over your shoulder. You’ll know it is chilled when the outside of the shaker is frosted.

How to Garnish a Chocolate Martini

With more chocolate, obviously. First garnish the glass with a chocolate sauce rim and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern. Then for a pretty finish, shave a chocolate bar over top with a peeler.

Credit: Laura Rege

Suggestions for Substitutions

  • Vanilla vodka is particularly well-suited to complementing the chocolate notes, but the drink is just as enjoyable with plain vodka. 
  • While vodka really lets the chocolate shine, other liquors like whiskey and rye pair lovely with chocolate if you want a more assertive liquor.
  • If you don’t want to invest in both chocolate liqueur and Baileys, swap the Baileys with more chocolate liqueur and add in an ounce of half-and-half.

Chocolate Martini Recipe

This ultra-chocolatey martini is what dessert cocktail dreams are made of.

Prep time 5 minutes

Serves2

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons

    chocolate syrup, preferably dark, plus more for drizzling

  • Ice

  • 5 ounces

    regular or vanilla vodka

  • 4 ounces

    chocolate liqueur, such as Godvia

  • 3 ounces

    Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

  • 1/2 ounce

    dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Place 2 martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the chocolate syrup on a small shallow plate; dip the rims of the frozen martini glasses in the chocolate syrup. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup inside the glasses in a zigzag pattern. The glasses can be used immediately or frozen until ready to drink.

  3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add 5 ounces vanilla vodka, 4 ounces chocolate liqueur, and 3 ounces Baileys. Cover and shake vigorously until well-chilled and the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 15 seconds.

  4. Strain into the prepared glasses. Use a vegetable peeler to shave dark chocolate over each drink.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the martini mixture up to 5 days in advance and refrigerate an airtight container. Shake with ice before serving.

To serve a crowd: You can scale up the recipe and mix ingredients in a pitcher. Shake in small batches as needed.

Ingredient variations: If you don’t want to invest in both chocolate liqueur and Baileys, swap the Baileys with more chocolate liqueur and add 1 ounce half-and-half.