This chocolate martini is a true dessert in a glass. It shakes vodka, chocolate liqueur and cream together into a silky, restaurant style cocktail that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
We serve versions of this cocktail at winter events when guests want something rich and memorable more than another glass of wine. Once people see the chocolate drizzle in the glass and the shaved chocolate on top, they usually point and say they want that one. The key is balancing the sweetness so it drinks like a proper cocktail, not just a milkshake.
How to Make a Chocolate Martini
- Chill and prep the glass. Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. If you want a chocolate drizzle, swirl a little chocolate syrup inside the chilled glass and return it to the freezer while you mix the drink.
- Build the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao and cream.
- Shake until frosty. Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the drink looks slightly frothy.
- Strain and garnish. Strain the chocolate martini into the prepared glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder and serve immediately.
Bartender notes
- Vanilla vodka gives a classic dessert profile. Plain vodka works if that is what you have on hand.
- Use heavy cream for the richest texture, or half and half for a slightly lighter drink.
- If you like a stronger chocolate flavor, increase the chocolate liqueur slightly and reduce the cream.
- Always shake with plenty of ice. The dilution is part of what makes the drink smooth rather than heavy.
Chocolate Martini Variations
- Espresso chocolate martini. Add 0.5 to 1 oz cooled espresso for a mocha style cocktail.
- Peppermint chocolate martini. Swap part of the creme de cacao for peppermint liqueur and garnish with a crushed candy cane rim.
- Dark chocolate martini. Use dark chocolate liqueur and unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense, less sweet profile.
- Salted caramel chocolate martini. Drizzle caramel in the glass and add a pinch of flaky salt on top before serving.
- Dairy free chocolate martini. Replace the cream with a rich oat milk or coconut milk beverage and shake well to combine.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate martinis are perfect as an after dinner drink at holiday parties, New Year celebrations and romantic date nights. We often serve them alongside dessert boards with chocolate truffles, cheesecake bites, chocolate covered strawberries and shortbread cookies.
For more holiday cocktail inspiration, explore our Christmas cocktails guide or browse the full cocktail recipes collection.
Make Ahead and Storage
- You can pre mix the spirits (vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao) in a small bottle and chill for up to 2 days.
- Add cream and shake to order so the drink stays fresh and does not separate.
- Leftover shaken martinis are best enjoyed right away. The texture changes as they sit.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per cocktail. Values will vary based on the brands you use.
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugar: 23 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Protein: 3 g
More Dessert and Holiday Martini Recipes
Planning a bigger event and not sure how many bottles you need for a chocolate martini bar Setup Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate quantities by guest count, then visit our bartender booking page if you would like our team to handle the shaking, garnishing and cleanup.
Chocolate Martini FAQs
What is a chocolate martini made of
A classic chocolate martini is made with vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao and cream or Irish cream. Everything is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass, often with a chocolate drizzle and chocolate shavings on top.
What are the ingredients in this chocolate martini recipe
This version uses vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao and heavy cream or half and half. You can finish it with chocolate syrup, cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
What is the history of the chocolate martini
Chocolate martinis grew popular in the 1990s and early 2000s when flavored martinis became a trend at hotel bars and restaurants. They are not a classic martini in the gin and vermouth sense, but they borrow the glassware and shaken preparation and lean into dessert flavors.
What is the alcohol content of a chocolate martini
The alcohol content will vary by recipe and the proof of the ingredients. With 2 ounces of vodka and 1.5 ounces of liqueurs, a chocolate martini usually lands in the same range as a standard spirit forward cocktail. If you want a lower alcohol option, use less vodka and more cream.
What are some variations of the chocolate martini
Popular variations include espresso chocolate martinis, peppermint chocolate martinis, salted caramel chocolate martinis and versions made with flavored vodkas. You can also swap the cream for eggnog during the holidays.
What are some good food pairings for a chocolate martini
Chocolate martinis pair well with cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, tiramisu, shortbread, brownies and holiday cookie platters. They also work as a dessert course on their own after a rich dinner.
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