If you're a chocolate lover, then you know how irresistible the rich, creamy flavour of chocolate can be. But did you know you can indulge in your favourite treat while sipping on something sophisticated and refreshing? Cocktails that incorporate chocolate are the perfect fusion of rich flavour and smooth, boozy fun. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a gathering, chocolate-themed cocktails will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for something a little more complex than just dessert.
Let’s dive into a few delicious and inventive chocolate cocktails that will please any chocolate lover!
CHILL GLASSES ahead of time by storing them in the fridge for a few hours-overnight.
HALF FILL COCKTAIL SHAKER WITH ICE and then pour your drink into the cocktail shaker, over the ice, to chill the liquid. Close the shaker and a give it a vigorous shake. This cools the drink and adds the water needed for balance. If you like your drinks stronger then stir away and skip the shaking.
PREFER IT LESS SWEET? Add an extra splash of vodka.
MAKE IN ADVANCE. You can mix the cocktails in advance and shake or stir with ice before serving.
If you love the classic martini but want to add a sweet twist, a chocolate martini is the way to go. This creamy cocktail has become a favourite at many bars, and it’s easy to understand why it’s luxurious, indulgent, and easy to customise.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 tsp melted chocolate (optional, used to 'paint' inside of glass)
50ml Chocolate cream liqueur (e.g. Baileys or similar)
50ml Coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
1 tbsp Chocolate syrup
100ml Vodka
Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Dip a pastry brush into the melted chocolate and brush up the side of 2 Martini glasses. Chill until set.
2. Pour the chocolate cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup and vodka into a shaker with a handful of ice and shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold. Strain into the glasses.
The chocolate martini is a versatile drink. You can make it richer by adding more chocolate liqueur or less creamy by adjusting the amount of heavy cream, or experiment with flavours by adding cherry liqueur for chocolate cherry martinis, espresso or coffee liqueur for a mocha martini etc.
Image -Cookist.com
Serves 4
Ingredients:
100g golden caster sugar
zest of 1 orange or clementine
100ml Vodka
100ml Crème de cacao (e.g. De Kuyper)
60ml Orange syrup
40ml Orange juice
Ice cubes
Grated dark chocolate to garnish
Instructions:
First make an orange syrup. Combine 100ml water with the golden caster sugar and the orange or clementine zest in a pan and bring to the boil. Cool and strain the syrup.
Chill 4 coupe glasses, then dampen the rims with a little water and dip in the grated dark chocolate. In a cocktail shaker, shake the vodka, crème de cacao, orange syrup and orange juice with ice (you may need to make in 2 batches). Pour into the glasses.
Image - BBCGoodfood.com
For those who appreciate classic cocktails but want to add a chocolatey edge, a Chocolate Old Fashioned is a fantastic option. The Old Fashioned is traditionally made with whiskey, but by infusing it with chocolate, you create a drink that is both smooth and slightly sweet without overwhelming the palate.
Ingredients:
60ml Whisky - bourbon (e.g. Jack Daniels) or rye (e.g. Woodford Reserve Rye)
1 tsp Chocolate bitters (e.g. Angostura Cocoa Bitters)
1 tsp Sugar syrup (optional)
Ice cubes
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
This cocktail offers the rich flavour of chocolate with the familiar warmth and complexity of a classic Old Fashioned. The chocolate bitters bring a touch of cocoa that perfectly complements the depth of the whisky.
Image - OliveMagazine.com
Mojitos are a popular cocktail that combines rum, mint, lime, and soda water. By adding a bit of chocolate and raspberry, you can elevate this refreshing cocktail into a unique, fruity-chocolate creation that’s as fun to drink as it is to make.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
60ml White rum (e.g. Bacardi)
30ml Crème de cacao (e.g. De Kuyper)
30ml Raspberry puree or raspberry liqueur (e.g. Chambord)
6 fresh mint leaves
15ml Lime juice
Soda water
Ice cubes
Fresh raspberries and mint for garnish
Instructions:
The combination of mint, chocolate, and raspberry is truly irresistible. It’s a cocktail that’s refreshing yet indulgent, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a balance of fresh flavours with their chocolatey drinks.
Image - Asda.com
If you’re a fan of both chocolate and coffee, this is the cocktail for you! The chocolate espresso martini is a variation on the classic espresso martini but with the added luxury of chocolate liqueur. It's a perfect after-dinner drink for those who want a pick-me-up and a sweet treat all in one.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
50g dark chocolate, chopped
100ml espresso, chilled
100ml Coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
150ml Vodka
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Image - Delish.com
Share this creamy adults-only drink with the chocolate lover in your life. For extra indulgence, grate over some chocolate before serving.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
50g dark chocolate
60ml Coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
60ml Vodka
60ml Chocolate cream liqueur (e.g. Baileys)
100ml double cream
Instructions:
Image - GoodFood.com
The ultimate indulgent brandy based dessert classic
Serves 2
Ingredients:
80ml Brandy (e.g. Three Barrels)
50ml Crème de cacao (e.g. De Kuyper)
50ml double cream
Instructions:
Image - Liquor.com
Fruity Variations:
Strawberry alexander - Serves 2
Blitz 80ml gin, 50g frozen strawberries, 50ml double cream, 25ml triple sec and 25ml water in a blender until very smooth.
Pour into two tumblers and garnish each with a mini meringue, mint leaves and a pinch of freeze-dried strawberries.
Passion fruit & coconut alexander - Serves 2
Tip 80ml cachaça, 50ml coconut rum, 50ml double cream and the flesh of 1 passion fruit into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice.
Shake until the outside of the shaker is cold, then double strain the cocktail into two martini glasses.
Cut 1 passion fruit in half and drizzle the halves with a couple of drops of coconut rum.
Float one half, cut-side up, on top of each cocktail.
This spicy-sweet cocktail takes the comfort of traditional Mexican hot chocolate and turns it into a boozy delight. The combination of rich chocolate, cinnamon, and a bit of heat from chilli gives this drink a warm and inviting appeal, perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
60ml tequila (e.g. Sierra)
30ml Crème de Cacao (e.g. De Kuyper)
30ml cinnamon syrup or a pinch of ground cinnamon
120ml milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
1/4 tsp chilli powder
Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
This cocktail is perfect for chocolate lovers who like a bit of heat in their drinks! The combination of cinnamon and chilli adds an exciting twist to the familiar comfort of chocolate.
Image - TotalWine.com
Whether you prefer a rich, creamy martini or a refreshing mojito with a chocolate twist, these cocktails are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. They offer a balance of sweetness, depth, and sophistication, making them ideal for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in something decadent. So next time you’re in the mood for a chocolatey drink, shake up one of these delicious cocktails and enjoy a little luxury in every sip!