Chocolate Martini

When dessert and after-dinner drinks are one and the same, who can complain? This chocolate martini recipe is the best of both, combining two creamy, sweet liqueurs and a bit of vodka. It's an easy cocktail to impress your date and a crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert, all in one. What better way to end a romantic Valentine's Day dinner? Drizzling the glass with chocolate syrup is optional but it adds a pretty touch to this martini recipe.

What is a chocolate martini?

Like a negroni, a chocolate martini is one of those classic cocktails that follows an easy ratio to remember: 1 to 1 to 1. Our chocolate martini is made with equal parts vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur. We use four ounces of each, poured over ice, then shaken and strained into two chilled martini glass. Swirl it with chocolate sauce, and you've got the perfect chocolate martini.

As easy as it is to make this Baileys cocktail, it's also customizable: Substitute a vanilla, coffee, or even fruit-flavored vodka in place of plain vodka; for another coffee twist, use Kahlúa in place of chocolate liqueur.

Is crème de cacao the same as Godiva chocolate liqueur?

The two are different, and, if possible, you'll want to seek out Godiva or a comparable chocolate liqueur for this martini. Crème de cacao, while delicious, is a thick, sweet liqueur, but it's not creamy. Chocolate liqueurs like Godiva have a creamy, milky finish that's delicious in this martini.

How do you garnish a chocolate martini?

This recipe keeps thinks simple and elegant with a drizzle of chocolate syrup in the glass and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate over top. Want to rim the glass? Go for it! Oreo crumbs would be next-level good! You could also garnish each glass with a strawberry.

What food goes with a chocolate martini?

Sweets are your best bet when pairing with a chocolate martini. The drink itself is sweet, chocolaty, and creamy. It goes nicely with rich desserts that are not overly sweet. A rich, yet slightly tart cheesecake is delicious with this martini, or indulge in chocolate truffles with sea salt or dark chocolate brownies as a sweet companion.