Ingredients
- .5 oz Vanilla Vodka
- 1 oz Vodka
- .5 oz White Creme De Cacao
- Chocolate
- Ice
Instructions
Prepare Glass:
- Freeze a martini glass with shaved chocolate on the rim.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a shaker, add ice, .5 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz vodka, and .5 oz white crème de cacao.
Shake Lightly:
- Shake the mixture lightly to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This cocktail is a modern invention, likely emerging from contemporary bar programs in the early 2000s when flavored vodkas and dessert martinis were gaining popularity. It doesn’t have a centuries-old lineage or a famous inventor. Instead, it’s a product of bartenders experimenting with popular sweet flavors and the versatile martini format.
The Long Kiss Goodnight Martini sits squarely in the dessert martini family. Its closest relatives include the classic Chocolate Martini, which uses dark crème de cacao, and the Espresso Martini, which swaps the chocolate for coffee. What sets this drink apart is its specific combination of vanilla vodka and white crème de cacao, aiming for a lighter color profile while still delivering rich, sweet flavors.
You’re most likely to encounter a drink like this on a dessert cocktail menu at a modern lounge, a steakhouse, or a contemporary restaurant. It’s also a popular choice for home entertaining, particularly after dinner, or for anyone looking for a sweet, boozy treat in place of a traditional dessert.
What it tastes like
On the front, you get a rush of sweet vanilla, immediately followed by the smooth, slightly boozy warmth of the vodka. The middle palate introduces the creamy, subtle chocolate notes from the white crème de cacao, which rounds out the sweetness without being cloying. The finish is clean, leaving a lingering vanilla and chocolate essence, often complemented by the shaved chocolate rim.
This is a potent drink. With 2 ounces of spirits, assuming a 40% ABV for vodka and 35% for vanilla vodka, plus a 20% creme de cacao, you’re looking at an ABV around 33-35%. That’s significantly stronger than a standard beer, which is typically 4-6% ABV, and roughly equivalent to a strong glass of wine or a double shot of a typical spirit.
The technique
Building this drink starts with prepping your martini glass by freezing it and applying a shaved chocolate rim. This chill and garnish are critical for the overall experience. Next, combine your vanilla vodka, regular vodka, and white crème de cacao in a shaker with ice. Give it a light, quick shake to thoroughly chill the ingredients without over-diluting or making the drink too frothy. Finally, strain the mixture into your prepared glass and serve immediately.
The most important technique here is the light shake. Because white crème de cacao is a liqueur, it can get overly foamy if agitated too vigorously or for too long. A gentle, short shake ensures a well-chilled drink with proper texture, preventing an unappealing head of foam that can detract from the drink’s smooth appearance and mouthfeel.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vanilla Vodka
- Use
- Brands like Absolut Vanil, Smirnoff Vanilla, or Grey Goose La Vanille all work well. Aim for a quality flavored vodka, typically around 35-40% ABV, to provide a clean vanilla base.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with vanilla extract, which is too concentrated and bitter, or vanilla syrup, which lacks the alcoholic backbone and changes the drink’s balance.
- Why
- Vanilla vodka is the primary flavor driver, providing the sweet, aromatic vanilla notes that define a significant part of this martini’s profile. It also contributes to the alcoholic strength and smooth texture.
White Creme De Cacao
- Use
- Look for reputable brands like Bols White Cacao or Marie Brizard White Cacao. These provide a clear, sweet chocolate flavor without adding color.
- Skip
- Avoid dark crème de cacao if you want the clear appearance. Also skip chocolate syrup, which is too sweet, lacks alcohol, and will give a vastly different texture and mouthfeel.
- Why
- White crème de cacao delivers the essential chocolate notes to the drink while maintaining its elegant, clear appearance. It adds sweetness, body, and a distinct cocoa aroma that complements the vanilla beautifully.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Chocolate Martini
- The dark, rich cousin.
- Swap the white crème de cacao for dark crème de cacao and consider a chocolate syrup drizzle in the glass for an even deeper chocolate flavor and darker appearance.
Espresso Martini
- Coffee kick instead of chocolate.
- Omit the crème de cacao and add 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso (chilled) and .5 oz of coffee liqueur for a caffeinated, spirit-forward alternative.
White Russian Martini
- Creamy, classic cocktail twist.
- Keep the vodkas, but replace the crème de cacao with .5 oz of Kahlua or other coffee liqueur, and add .5 oz of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, milky texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use regular vodka and add a very small dash (about 1/8 tsp) of vanilla extract, or a bar spoon of quality vanilla syrup. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Dark crème de cacao works in a pinch, but the drink will lose its clear appearance. Alternatively, a chocolate liqueur can be used, but adjust for sweetness as it may be sweeter.
A sugar rim or cocoa powder rim can provide a similar textural and flavor contrast. Or, simply serve it without a rim.
A coupe glass is the ideal alternative. A small rocks glass can also work, but it will change the presentation and how the drink is perceived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Long Kiss Goodnight Martini?
The Long Kiss Goodnight Martini contains vanilla vodka, regular vodka, white crème de cacao, and is typically served in a chocolate-rimmed martini glass.
Is the Long Kiss Goodnight Martini sweet?
Yes, it’s designed to be a sweet, dessert-style cocktail. The vanilla vodka and crème de cacao contribute significant sweetness to the drink.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Use a good quality, unflavored vodka for the main spirit, and a reputable brand of vanilla-flavored vodka. The quality of your base spirits will affect the overall smoothness.
Why “white” creme de cacao?
White crème de cacao is used specifically to provide chocolate flavor without adding color to the drink, maintaining a clear, elegant appearance in the glass.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, as the ideal temperature and texture come from being shaken with ice just before serving. You can pre-chill your spirits, but mix just before serving.
What kind of chocolate works best for the rim?
Finely shaved dark or milk chocolate works well. You can also use cocoa powder mixed with a little sugar for a less messy, but equally effective, rim.
Is this a strong drink?
Yes, with two ounces of spirits and a liqueur, the Long Kiss Goodnight Martini is a relatively strong cocktail, comparable to a double shot of spirits.
What occasions is this drink good for?
This drink is perfect as a dessert cocktail, a nightcap, or for special occasions where an indulgent, sophisticated sweet drink is desired.
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