Ingredients
- 1 oz White Creme De Cacao
- 1 oz Vodka
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- Add 1 oz white crème de cacao and 1 oz vodka to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, chocolatey goodness.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Chocolate Martini is a child of the modern cocktail era, emerging in the 1980s or 90s, likely from American bars. It's part of the dessert drink wave that favored sweet, often creamy, concoctions.
It belongs to the 'Martini' family only by glassware and name, not by spirit profile. Think of it as a sibling to the Espresso Martini or other sweet vodka-based drinks, characterized by its unapologetic confectionery flavor.
You'll find this drink on menus in casual dining spots, at dessert bars, or often requested at home parties. It's a reliable crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a sweet finish to their evening.
What it tastes like
Expect a rich, sweet hit of chocolate, softened by a creamy texture from the Irish cream or heavy cream. The vodka provides a clean, boozy backbone without competing with the dessert-like flavors. It's essentially a liquid chocolate dessert with a kick.
With 1.5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and a shot of chocolate liqueur, this drink packs a punch. It clocks in around 25-30% ABV, making it significantly stronger than a standard beer. Treat it like a boozy dessert, not a session drink.
The technique
This is a shaken drink, through and through. Combine all ingredients with plenty of ice in a shaker. Shake hard until thoroughly chilled and well diluted, about 15-20 seconds. Double strain into a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa.
The critical technique is making sure your glass is ice cold. A warm glass will kill the chill and ruin the texture of this decadent drink.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Smooth, neutral vodka like Tito's, Ketel One, or Absolut. It's the base, but shouldn't steal the show.
- Skip
- Cheap rail vodka or anything with a strong flavor profile. Also skip flavored vodkas unless you want a very specific twist.
- Why
- The vodka provides the alcohol without distracting from the primary chocolate and cream flavors. It needs to be clean.
Chocolate Liqueur
- Use
- A quality crème de cacao like Tempus Fugit or Giffard for pure chocolate, or a rich chocolate liqueur like Godiva for a creamier note.
- Skip
- Thin chocolate syrups or low-proof candy liqueurs. They often taste artificial or lack depth.
- Why
- This is where the main chocolate flavor comes from. Quality matters for a genuinely rich taste, not just sugar.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Espresso Martini
- Coffee Kick
- Swap the chocolate liqueur for coffee liqueur and a shot of espresso. It's a different kind of after-dinner buzz.
Mudslide
- Blended Dessert
- Add ice cream and blend this up for a thicker, more indulgent milkshake-style dessert drink. It's a similar flavor profile, just colder and richer.
White Russian
- Creamy Classic
- While not chocolate, this vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream drink hits a similar creamy, dessert-like note for those who like a sweet, boozy finish.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try 0.75 oz good quality unsweetened cocoa powder dissolved in 0.5 oz hot water, cooled, then add 0.5 oz simple syrup.
White rum works in a pinch for a slightly different, often sweeter, base spirit. Dark rum can also be interesting for a deeper flavor.
A chilled coupe or even a rocks glass will do the trick. The key is that it's cold and stemware keeps your hand from warming the drink.
A jar with a tight-fitting lid works just fine. Just make sure it's clean and can seal securely for a vigorous shake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Chocolate Martini 2?
A Chocolate Martini 2 typically contains vodka, a quality chocolate liqueur, and a touch of Irish cream or heavy cream for richness. It is shaken and served up.
Is a Chocolate Martini 2 strong?
Yes, it is. With 1.5 ounces of 80-proof vodka, it's significantly stronger than a beer or a glass of wine. Sip it slowly, it is a boozy dessert.
Is it very sweet?
Absolutely. This is a dessert drink through and through. The sweetness comes primarily from the chocolate liqueur and any added cream.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure. Use a non-dairy cream like oat or almond milk cream, and check that your chocolate liqueur is dairy-free. Many crème de cacao options are.
How do you make a Chocolate Martini 2 less sweet?
Reduce the amount of chocolate liqueur and increase the vodka slightly. You could also add a dash of unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without adding more sugar.
What's the best chocolate liqueur for this drink?
For pure chocolate flavor, a quality crème de cacao like Tempus Fugit or Giffard is excellent. For a richer, creamier profile, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or a similar brand works well.
How should I garnish a Chocolate Martini 2?
Simple chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top are classic and effective. A chocolate syrup drizzle inside the glass also looks good.
What's the difference between a Chocolate Martini and a Chocolate Martini 2?
Often, the '2' in Chocolate Martini 2 implies the addition of a creamy element, such as Irish cream or heavy cream, making it a richer, more decadent version of the original simple vodka and chocolate liqueur combination.
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