Chocolate Martini

Is there anything more perfect for Valentine’s Day than a Chocolate Martini? It is an indulgent cocktail to drink before dinner or a perfect cocktail to end your meal on special occasions.

This is a creamy easy cocktail, similar to a Mudslide. Both cocktails are made with Bailey’s Irish Cream and vodka. A Mudslide is a coffee flavored cocktail with a coffee liqueur and a Chocolate Martini is made with crème de cacao which creates a wonderful chocolate flavor. They are both good options for a decadent drink!

If you want to try this recipe for Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money on three different types of alcohol buy the shot size versions of each at your local liquor store. Each one is exactly a quarter cup which is the same measurement of each liquor needed to make 1 cocktail.

If you want something lighter and pretty as a Valentine’s Day cocktail, check out Strawberry Mimosas.

If you like dessert martinis and want to try another delicious cocktail recipe check out Tiramisu Martini Dessert Cocktail and Pumpkin Martini.

For more delicious cocktails and sweet drinks check out Pomegranate Mint Cocktail, Christmas Margarita, Paloma, Michelada, Greyhound Cocktail, Rummy Egg Nog, and Coquito.

SOME THINGS TO KNOW:FAQ’S

INGREDIENT TIPS:

The choice of vodka can alter the vodka martini smoothness. For a cleaner taste choose a premium vodka. If you are adventurous, flavored vodkas such as vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka can complement the chocolate and cream flavors beautifully. Check out the A TO Z OF VODKA BRANDS.
Serving your Chocolate Martini in a chilled glass can greatly enhance its taste and presentation. Simply place your martini glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This keeps your cocktail colder longer, emphasizing the creamy, rich flavors.
Crème de Cacao comes in both dark and white chocolate varieties. While both impart a chocolate flavor, the dark chocolate liqueur adds a deeper, more robust cocoa flavor and the white creme de cacao is slightly sweeter and more subtle.
Use clear, fresh ice for shaking your chilled martini. Old or cloudy ice can introduce off flavors to your cocktail.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing the ingredients well and chilling the cocktail before serving. The shaker allows you to vigorously combine the vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Crème de Cacao, and ice, ensuring a smooth, well mixed drink.
Martini Glasses: The iconic shape of the martini glass is not only visually appealing, it is functional.
Jigger: This measuring tool ensures that you pour the correct amounts of each ingredient, maintaining the balance of flavors in your cocktail. You can also use a ¼ cup measuring cup.
Bar Spoon or Small Spoon: Useful for drizzling the chocolate syrup inside the glass in an artistic manner. A bar spoon has a long handle that can reach to the bottom of the glass, but any small spoon can work for the chocolate drizzle.
Strainer: If your cocktail shaker doesn’t come with a built-in strainer, you’ll need a separate strainer to hold back the ice when pouring the cocktail into the glass.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Melted chocolate with a bit of heavy cream is a richer, more decadent alternative to chocolate syrup.
While Bailey’s is a popular choice, exploring other brands of Irish cream liqueur can introduce unique flavors to your martini.
Other chocolate liqueurs like Godiva chocolate liqueur can stand in for Crème de Cacao. They might vary slightly in sweetness and intensity.
If you prefer not to dilute your cocktail, you can chill the ingredients and the glass beforehand, eliminating the need for ice cubes in the shaker. This method requires a bit more planning but can preserve a stronger flavor profile.

HOW TO STORE CHOCOLATE MARTINI:

To pre-mix the Chocolate Martini without ice, pour the mixture into a glass bottle or a sealable container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator. The mixture should be good for up to 24 hours, as the alcohol acts as a preservative. However, the sooner you consume it, the better the taste will be.
The key to a great simple Chocolate Martini experience is in the freshness of the mix, so it’s always best to prepare it close to the time of serving.

Spoon the chocolate sauce into the bottom of your glass.

Add the ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.

In the shaker, combine the Bailey’s Irish Cream, vodka and crème de cacao. Shake well.

Strain into a glass leaving the ice cubes in the martini shaker.

Sprinkle the top of the martini with some shaved chocolate, chocolate curls or cocoa powder.