Chocolate Espresso Martini
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Indulge in the allure of this chocolate espresso martini, a decadent twist on the timeless classic. Rich, velvety chocolate meets the boldness of espresso, with delicate chocolate shavings floating on a lush frothy top. It's elegant, indulgent, and simply delicious!
Feeling classic? Shake up this espresso martini recipe.
This cocktail is an adult version of an iced mocha: the bitter notes of coffee are complemented by the sweetness of the chocolate, and the frothy top is simply lush. The contrast between bitter, sweet, and creamy will delight all coffee lovers!
Ingredients needed
This fancy cocktail uses just five simple ingredients:
- Vodka ā Add a twist by using flavored vodkas, such as vanilla vodka! As this is a spirit-forward, you'll want a decent quality vodka.
- Coffee liqueur āĀ Add an extra boost of coffee flavor with Kahlua, Tia Maria, or another coffee liquor.
- Chocolate liqueur ā Popular brands include Mozart or Godiva chocolate liqueur.
- Chilled espresso ā This adds a rich, bold coffee flavor while also being reason for the foam on top of the cocktail. If you don't have an espresso maker you can use another method such as french press or instant coffee, but you'll need to use an egg white or cocktail foamer to get the velvety frothy top.
- Chocolate shavings ā To garnish.
How to make a chocolate espresso martini
This recipe is so quick and easy that you'll be sipping away in just five minutes:
- Fill up the shaker: Add ice cubes to your shaker, pour in the vodka, coffee, and chocolate liqueurs, and a shot of espresso.
- Shake, shake, shake: for 30 seconds to work up the foam.
- Strain: Pour into two martini glasses then add some chocolate shavings on top!
To serve, we recommend chilling your martini glasses in the fridge while you whip up the cocktail!
Ideas to garnish
Your garnishes will not only add visual appeal, but a little hint of flavor, too! Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate shavings āĀ Delicate curls of chocolate resting atop of the foam look divine while carrying through the chocolate flavor. Experiment with white, milk, or dark chocolate!
- Coffee beans ā The timeless choice for a classic espresso martini: three espresso beans on top of the froth for an inviting aroma.
- Cocoa powder āĀ A light sprinkle atop the froth will enhance the chocolate-y flavor.
- Whipped cream ā Add a creamy texture while contrasting the bold flavors of the cocktail. This is ideal for someone wanting to slightly dilute the strong flavors but still enjoy the indulgence of this cocktail.
- Get fruity āĀ A bit of orange zest adds a citrusy aroma, complementing the rich chocolate and coffee flavors. Squeeze a slice of orange peel over the drink to express the orange flavor.
- Toasted marshmallow āĀ Add a small marshmallow to a toothpick and lightly toast it before balancing it on the rim of the glass, for a playful twist.
- Chocolate syrup āĀ Before straining from the shaker, drizzle some chocolate sauce or syrup into the empty martini glasses for some decoration that tastes extra chocolate-y.
When should I serve this chocolate espresso martini recipe?
This cocktail shines in various settings:
- Dessert cocktail ā The richness of this cocktail allows for it to stand in place of a dessert ā it's the perfect way to conclude a meal!
- Date night ā Elevate your next date night with the cocktail's velvety allure! Serve it before hitting the town, or alongside a meal cooked with love.
- Entertaining ā The caffeine kick keeps the party going! Plus, the addition of chocolate to this classic is sure to be a conversation starter among guests.
- Special occasions ā The espresso chocolate martini brings the wow factor, so serve it for special occasions like New Years, Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this decaffeinated?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made decaffeinated. Simply use a decaf espresso or coffee to replace the espresso. Don't forget to check if any of the coffee liqueurs you use are also decaffeinated.
Can I make this in advance?
The beautiful foamy top will dissipate with time, and the frothy top is thanks to using fresh espresso. So this is one of those recipes best served right away!
How long do you chill the espresso?
It usually takes around five minutes to reach room temperature, but you can aid this by popping it in your fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes ā You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of chocolate liqueur and coffee liqueur you use. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the chocolate liqueur and decrease the coffee liqueur ā or you could add chocolate syrup, chocolate sauce, or simple syrup. If you prefer a more bitter taste, use more coffee liqueur and less chocolate.
More coffee cocktails
Chocolate Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (try vanilla vodka!)
- 1 ounce coffee liquor (such as KahlĆŗa)
- 1 ounce chocolate liquor
- 1 ounce chilled espresso (see notes)
- Chocolate shavings (to garnish)
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the vodka, coffee liquor, chocolate liquor, and espresso.2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce coffee liquor, 1 ounce chocolate liquor, 1 ounce chilled espresso
- Secure the lid then shake for about 30 seconds to work up the foam.
- Strain into two martini glasses and garnish the cocktails with chocolate shavings.Chocolate shavings
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our cocktail recipes!
