From a Chocolate Martini to an Old Fashioned made with chocolate-tinged whisky, we’ve got ideas that your holiday guests will love
We’ve come to the time of year that tests your cocktail skills. Holiday gatherings call for a drink that’s festive and delicious. Something next-level.
One idea: Make it something chocolate.
Sure, hardcore cocktailers might throw you some side-eye, but the rest of us will get a happy glow from a Chocolate Martini, Chocolate Old Fashioned or some other rich, indulgent chocolate cocktail.
So let’s use the Chocolate Martini as our launching pad into the world of chocolate cocktails. We’ll give you a basic recipe, some variations and a wealth of other ideas that would make Willy Wonka tip his large hat and belly up. And we’ll suggest some decadent ingredients you can get at Bullfrog Wine & Spirits, your one-stop Fort Collins liquor store for holiday cocktails, beer, wine and more.
Chocolate Martini basic recipe
Irish cream, chocolate and vodka? What’s not to like?
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, such as from a Hershey’s squeeze bottle, plus more for drizzling
- 4 ounces Irish Cream, such as Baileys
- 4 ounces chocolate liqueur, such as Meletti
- 4 ounces vodka of your choice
- Chocolate to shave or grate, for garnish (or cocoa powder works too)
Directions
Pour two tablespoons of chocolate syrup onto a small plate, then invert cocktail glasses onto the plate to coat the rim with syrup. Turn the glasses right-side up, then drizzle a bit more syrup into the inside of the glass in a wavy pattern. Put the glasses into the fridge to chill for a few minutes while you mix the cocktails.
Add the Irish Cream, chocolate liqueur and vodka to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 20 seconds or so to chill, then strain into the chilled cocktail glasses. Grate or shave chocolate on top to garnish, or sprinkle cocoa powder on top if you prefer. Serve and enjoy.
Chocolate Martini variations
Switch up the Irish Cream: We have a bunch of options with different flavors. Go overboard on the chocolate with Baileys Chocolate, maybe. Or go non-dairy with Baileys Almande, made with almond milk. Or how about Kahlua Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur? Let your vibe be your guide.
Use a flavored vodka: You could go wild with all the vodka flavors available. We could see Smirnoff Kissed Caramel being pretty great. Or a whipped cream vodka. Chocolate and orange are nice together too, and we have vodka options to make that happen.
Martinis aren’t your thing? Try these other chocolate cocktails
We’re whiskey lovers at Bullfrog, so we were happy to see Crown Royal come out with a chocolate whisky that’s really quite drinkable. It still looks like whiskey, not like an opaque chocolate drink, but its pleasant hint of chocolate opens up all kinds of cocktail options.
Here are some other cocktails to mix up for your holiday guests.
Chocolate Old Fashioned: Crown Royal Chocolate, simple syrup and chocolate bitters come together for a chocolate cocktail with sophistication.
Chocolate Boulevardier: Use Crown Royal Chocolate in the basic Boulevardier recipe. You could also skip the typical orange peel garnish and top with chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Peppermint Martini: This one, a creamy mix of creme de cacao and peppermint vodka, just feels like Winter Wonderland to us.
Chocolate Coconut Rum Cocktail: A chocolate cocktail with a Caribbean vibe. Yum.
Chocolate White Russian: Chocolate seems like a natural fit for this classic cocktail.
If you need help finding any of the ingredients for the cocktails above, a Bullfrog team member will be glad to assist.
Make your holiday party memorable with a round of chocolate cocktails
Ready to mix up dessert in a glass? Stop by Bullfrog Wine & Spirits for all the ingredients you need for a stellar batch of chocolate cocktails. We love helping you make your cocktail ideas a delicious reality.