If you've always got a few chocolate-covered espresso beans in your bag just in case you need a pick-me-up, then this chocolate espresso martini is the perfect cocktail for you. Born in the vibrant 1980s cocktail scene, the modern twist on this delicious caffeine-packed drink will have you indulging like Augustus Gloop at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.
How to Make a Chocolate Espresso Martini
While we've got a tasty chocolate espresso martini recipe that hits every time, the sky's the limit for how you can make the perfect brew for you. Master this recipe and then try a decadent dark chocolate liqueur for a bitter aftertaste or get a bit festive with a peppermint-flavored liqueur. Treat this one like your morning cup of coffee — make it any way you like it.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces bourbon
- ¾ ounce coffee liqueur
- ¾ ounce chocolate liqueur
- ¾ ounce chilled espresso or coffee
- Ice
- Whole coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and espresso.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with three whole coffee beans.
Toss in some flavored simple syrup to add a few hidden layers. While hazelnut and vanilla are common flavors, unique ones like lavender, ginger, maple bacon, and even chili work well.
Related: 6 Smooth & Indulgent Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Drink Recipes
6 Variations to Try
The chocolate espresso martini is a well-constructed and balanced cocktail that tastes fantastic when made by the book. However, you can get a little creative in the kitchen with these fun variation ideas.
- Use either plain or vanilla vodka instead of bourbon.
- Balance out the sweetness with rye in place of bourbon.
- Add a few drops of chocolate, cinnamon, or smoked bitters to create an unsweet complex flavor.
- Skip the espresso or coffee and use allspice dram or cinnamon schnapps.
- Include a splash of orange liqueur for a slight citrus flavor.
- Raspberry liqueur adds a touch of fruit without overly altering the drink.
Garnishes to Top Things Off
Adding a garnish to your chocolate espresso martini is essential. However, you can go for something as subtle as a few whole coffee beans or as decadent as a chocolate rim.
- Melt chocolate and rub the rim of the glass in it, waiting for the chocolate to set before straining the ingredients into the glass.
- Swirl chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Top the foam with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
- Carefully and vigorously shake hot coffee with ice for approximately 2 minutes to create a rich foam to use as a garnish.
These Two Flavors Live Together in Perfect Harmony
The chocolate espresso martini is a rich cocktail with its flavors weaving effortlessly between the bitter coffee and sweet chocolate. Whether you opt to enjoy this in place of an Irish coffee after dinner or want a new brunch drink that'll kick the mimosa to the curb, this versatile cocktail will soon take the top spot.
