Chocolate Espresso Martini

The Chocolate Espresso Martini is a decadent twist on the classic cocktail. With its rich and creamy texture, the combination of chocolate cream, espresso, bourbon, and coffee liqueur creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Where are my chocoholics at? Friends, this one’s for you. For me, chocolate is the ultimate sweet treat and I love it in all forms from a gooey melted Chocolate Fondue with fresh fruit to cookies with a special kick of warming chili spice. What is your favourite way to enjoy this decadent ingredient?

Chocolate Espresso Martini Cocktail

This chocolaty spin on a classic espresso martini is sweet and creamy, with the kick of espresso. It makes the perfect liquid dessert or late afternoon pick me up. Once you gather the ingredients, you’ll be surprised at how often the chocolate espresso martini craving hits.

Quite simply, it’s the perfect marriage of a classic espresso martini and chocolate martini… the ‘mocha’ of martinis, if you will. There is just something about the combination of coffee and chocolate that is incredibly inviting.

This indulgent concoction is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself. One might say this decadent cocktail is over the top and one would be right! One sip of this creamy chocolate and espresso potion and you’ll be in love.

Speaking of love, I think this Chocolate Espresso Martini recipe would be perfect for the holidays, but even better for Valentine’s Day with a side of Valentine Nutella Truffles. There’s nothing better than a sweet ending to a perfect meal for two people…unless it’s two cocktails for one single person!

Chocolate Espresso Martini Ingredients

While this cocktail recipe features my favourite espresso liqueur and creamy chocolate liqueur, you can use your own favourite liqueurs as a substitute. It’s important to note that the specific brands used in this recipe all can be substituted with liqueur brands that are available to you. In general, you will need:

• Espresso
• Bourbon
• Coffee Liqueur
• Chocolate Cream Liqueur
• Chocolate Bar
• Chocolate Syrup
• Coffee Beans

For this cocktail recipe, I like to use espresso beans that have a caramel and chocolate flavour profile rather than an acidic or citrus profile. Feel free to use your favourite espresso beans and brew up the espresso yourself. Don’t forget to save a few beans for garnish!

Alternatively, go to your favourite coffee shop and simply purchase several shots of espresso. By the time you get home, it will be cool enough to use in a cocktail.

Similarly, choose Bourbon with a sweeter profile. Note that many espresso martini recipes feature vodka as the primary spirit. However, you can use rum, gin, or even tequila in this versatile cocktail. It all comes down to the flavour profile of each spirit.

There are many coffee liqueurs on the market with the most recognizable being Kahlua. This recipe features Rock Town Coffee Liqueur, however, it’s so easy to use your favourite its place. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Tia Maria, Jägermeister Cold Brew, or St. Georges NOLA Coffee Liqueur will all work.

Furthermore, I highly recommend experimenting with Patron X.O. in place of the bourbon and coffee liqueur.

While Godiva Chocolate Liqueur has been discontinued for a while, there are also many excellent chocolate liqueurs on the market. Most notably, Mozart Chocolate Cream (try dark chocolate for a deeper flavour!), Tempus Fugit’s Creme de Cacao, Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur, Bottega Nero Cioccolato Gianduia (imparts a hazelnut flavour!), and OM Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Liqueur.

It’s also worth checking your local distilleries for both coffee and chocolate cream liqueurs, particularly around Christmas for seasonal releases.

How to Make a Chocolate Espresso Martini

Prepare the Cocktail Glasses

For this recipe you will need two 6 oz chilled cocktail glasses. I prefer a coupe glass as shown, however a classic martini glass is the standard. Rimming the glasses with chocolate syrup is optional but makes the cocktail extra special. (This section contains amazon affiliate links. I make a small percentage from each sale through these links at no cost to you)

To rim the glass, pour chocolate syrup into a small plate or bowl and dip the rim of the cocktail glass in the chocolate. Remove and allow excess to drip off before turning the glass upright. Chill the glass in the freezer while you make the cocktail.

Make it fancier: Apply chocolate shavings or sprinkles to the wet edge before chilling.

Mix the Ingredients

Make 2 ounces fresh espresso and allow to cool to room temperature. Using hot espresso will cause the ice to melt quicker and result in dilution of the cocktail.

Next, you’ll need a three part Cobbler-style cocktail shaker (affiliate links) with a metal (or glass) tin, cap, and built-in strainer. It should be large enough to fit two drinks (most fit 2-3 drinks). If you prefer to use a Boston style cocktail shaker, be sure to strain the ice out of the cocktail using a Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer.

Let’s make a Chocolate Espresso Martini! To begin, fill a cocktail shaker 1/3 full of ice cubes. Next, pour espresso over the ice, then measure in 4 ounces of bourbon, 2 ounces coffee liqueur, and 2 ounces chocolate cream liqueur. Pro top: Add a pinch of sea salt the shaker to really bring out those chocolate flavours.

Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake until the cocktail shaker becomes frosty.

Strain Pour and Garnish

Remove the shaker lid then strain and divide the cocktail between two chilled coupe or martini glasses.

To garnish, use a fine cheese grater or microplane to grate chocolate over the top of the cocktail, then add a few coffee or espresso beans, then serve. Cheers!

Hi! I’m Bernice Hill and I’ve been the sole recipe developer, photographer, and writer at Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen for the past eleven years. It is my pleasure to share easy to follow recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and approachable for the whole family.

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