Cocktails · Vodka
Chocolate Martini RecipeRich, Creamy and Easy (With a Zero-Proof Twin)
How to make a chocolate martini that tastes like dessert: the classic, plus peppermint, salted caramel, raspberry and coconut versions, each with a zero-proof twin.
4 min read5 drinks ⇄ 5 twins ↓
A chocolate martini is vodka, chocolate liqueur and a splash of cream, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass rimmed with chocolate. Shake it hard for a foamy top and finish with fresh chocolate shavings. It takes five minutes and tastes like dessert.
This chocolate martini recipe covers the classic and four variations (peppermint, salted caramel, raspberry and coconut), plus tips for rimming the glass. Every card has a zero-proof twin that is just as rich and indulgent.
What Is a Chocolate Martini?
A chocolate martini is a dessert cocktail that borrows the glass and the name of the classic martini but has little else in common with it. It is creamy, sweet and rich, closer to a milkshake with a kick. It is usually made with vodka, chocolate liqueur and cream, and it is served very cold.
Good dark chocolate and a little cream do most of the work, so use the best you can find.
· Cocktail spec · Zero-proof spec
CoupeShaken5 minMedium · 18%
CoupeShaken5 minZero-proof · 0.0%
The pour · 4 oz
The pour · 4 oz
Classic Chocolate Martini
Chocolate Cream Martini
Vodka, chocolate liqueur and cream, shaken until foamy.
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishChocolate drizzle and shavings
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishChocolate drizzle and shavings
Method
- 1Drizzle chocolate sauce inside a chilled coupe.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and finish with chocolate shavings.
Method
- 1Drizzle chocolate sauce inside a chilled coupe.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and finish with chocolate shavings.
How the swap works
A little cold brew deepens the chocolate the way liqueur does, and cream and a pinch of salt give it body.
Enjoy responsibly · legal drinking age only · Zero-proof twin · · 1 oz = 30 ml
How to Make a Chocolate Martini, Step by Step
- Chill a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 20 minutes, or drizzle it with chocolate and chill so the sauce sets (see below).
- Add 1½ oz vodka, 1½ oz chocolate liqueur and 1 oz cream to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds, until the tin is frosty.
- Strain into the glass and finish with chocolate shavings.
Grate the chocolate fresh over the top and it melts into the foam.
How to Rim the Glass With Chocolate
Warm a few tablespoons of chocolate sauce slightly so it flows, then drizzle it inside an empty glass or dip the rim in it. Press the rim into cocoa, crushed candy cane or toasted coconut, and chill the glass until the chocolate sets. A rim is half the fun, so choose one that matches the drink.
Dip the rim, then roll it in your topping while the chocolate is still tacky.
Chocolate Liqueur, Crème de Cacao or Real Chocolate?
Chocolate liqueur is sweeter and thicker, with a rich cocoa flavor. Crème de cacao is clearer and lighter, with a more vanilla-like chocolate note. For the best results, use both liqueur and a real chocolate rim, and a little cream. Real melted chocolate stirred into the shaker tastes the deepest, but it is trickier to blend, so strain it carefully.
Chocolate Martini Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Like a candy cane dipped in chocolate, and the one to make for Christmas. Crush the candy canes fine in a bag with a rolling pin.
Press the wet rim of the glass into the crumbs, then pour.
· Cocktail spec · Zero-proof spec
CoupeShaken6 minMedium · 18%
CoupeShaken6 minZero-proof · 0.0%
The pour · 4 oz
The pour · 3½ oz
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Peppermint Chocolate Cream
Chocolate and peppermint with a candy cane rim.
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishCrushed candy cane rim and a mini candy cane
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishCrushed candy cane rim and a mini candy cane
Method
- 1Rim a chilled coupe with chocolate sauce and crushed candy cane.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and add a mini candy cane.
Method
- 1Rim a chilled coupe with chocolate sauce and crushed candy cane.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and add a mini candy cane.
How the swap works
A couple of drops of peppermint extract give the cool mint of schnapps without any real alcohol.
Enjoy responsibly · legal drinking age only · Zero-proof twin · · 1 oz = 30 ml
Salted Caramel Chocolate Martini
Sweet, salty and a little decadent. A pinch of flaky salt makes the chocolate and caramel taste richer.
Drizzle the caramel inside the glass or on the cream, and finish with a few flakes of salt.
· Cocktail spec · Zero-proof spec
CoupeShaken5 minMedium · 16%
CoupeShaken5 minZero-proof · 0.0%
The pour · 4 oz
The pour · 3½ oz
Salted Caramel Chocolate Martini
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cream
Chocolate and caramel with a pinch of flaky salt.
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishCaramel drizzle and flaky salt
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishCaramel drizzle and flaky salt
Method
- 1Drizzle caramel sauce inside a chilled coupe.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and finish with a pinch of flaky salt.
Method
- 1Drizzle caramel sauce inside a chilled coupe.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and finish with a pinch of flaky salt.
How the swap works
Milk, cream and caramel give the same richness as the liqueur, and flaky salt on top makes it taste less sweet.
Enjoy responsibly · legal drinking age only · Zero-proof twin · · 1 oz = 30 ml
Chocolate Raspberry Martini
Tart berries cut through the richness. Spear three raspberries on a pick, or muddle a few into the shaker.
· Cocktail spec · Zero-proof spec
Martini glassShaken5 minMedium · 18%
Martini glassShaken5 minZero-proof · 0.0%
The pour · 4 oz
The pour · 3 oz
Chocolate Raspberry Martini
Raspberry Chocolate Cream
Chocolate and raspberry with a chocolate-dipped rim.
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishThree raspberries on a pick
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishThree raspberries on a pick
Method
- 1Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in chocolate.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and garnish with raspberries.
Method
- 1Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in chocolate.
- 2Muddle the raspberries in a shaker, then add the remaining ingredients and ice.
- 3Shake for 10 to 12 seconds, double-strain into the glass and garnish with raspberries.
How the swap works
Fresh raspberries replace the liqueur; double-strain to keep the seeds out.
Enjoy responsibly · legal drinking age only · Zero-proof twin · · 1 oz = 30 ml
Chocolate Coconut Martini
Toasted coconut makes it taste like a candy bar. Toast the coconut in a dry pan until golden, and let it cool before rimming.
· Cocktail spec · Zero-proof spec
CoupeShaken6 minMedium · 16%
CoupeShaken6 minZero-proof · 0.0%
The pour · 4 oz
The pour · 3½ oz
Chocolate Coconut Martini
Toasted Coconut Chocolate Cream
Chocolate, cream of coconut and a toasted coconut rim.
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishToasted coconut rim and a chocolate curl
Ingredients (1 drink)
GarnishToasted coconut rim and a chocolate curl
Method
- 1Rim a chilled coupe with chocolate sauce and toasted coconut.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and add a chocolate curl.
Method
- 1Rim a chilled coupe with chocolate sauce and toasted coconut.
- 2Shake everything with ice for 10 to 12 seconds.
- 3Strain into the glass and add a chocolate curl.
How the swap works
Coconut milk and cream of coconut give the silky body, so it tastes like a candy bar.
Enjoy responsibly · legal drinking age only · Zero-proof twin · · 1 oz = 30 ml
A Zero-Proof Chocolate Martini
Dessert drinks are easy to make without alcohol, because the chocolate, cream and cold are what you taste. The twins use chocolate syrup, cream and cold milk or coconut milk, with a pinch of salt and a little cold brew for depth. Shake hard with ice for the same foam. They are rich, so serve them in small glasses.
For more on the method, read how to make mocktails. For more martinis, see the types of martinis (including the espresso martini), the vodka martini and our warm Christmas drinks, which include peppermint hot chocolate.
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Last call
Questions from the bar
Q1What is in a chocolate martini?
A chocolate martini is made with vodka, chocolate liqueur and cream or crème de cacao, shaken with ice and served in a chilled glass with a chocolate rim or shavings.
Q2How do you make a chocolate martini?
Add 1½ oz vodka, 1½ oz chocolate liqueur and 1 oz cream to a shaker with ice, shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds, strain into a chilled glass and top with chocolate shavings.
Q3What is the best vodka for a chocolate martini?
A smooth, mid-priced vodka works well. The chocolate and cream cover the differences, so you do not need a premium bottle.
Vodka martini ↗Q4How do you rim a martini glass with chocolate?
Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce around the rim or inside the glass, then press the rim into cocoa, crushed candy cane or toasted coconut. Chill so the chocolate sets.
Q5Can you make a chocolate martini without cream?
Yes. Use more chocolate liqueur and a splash of milk or a plant milk, or use a little coconut cream. The drink will be slightly thinner but still tasty.
Christmas drinks ↗Q6Is a chocolate martini a real martini?
Not really. It is a dessert cocktail served in a martini glass. A true martini is gin or vodka and vermouth. Other "-tini" drinks borrow the glass and the name.
Types of martinis ↗Another round?
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