Dessert cocktails are a popular after-dinner choice, allowing the diner to satisfy their sweet tooth without the heaviness of a larger dessert option. Among dessert cocktails, chocolate cocktails have surged in popularity. Chocolate liqueurs range from traditional crème de cacao to those with nutty or even spicy notes. Godiva, the renowned Belgian chocolatier, produces its own chocolate liqueur, adding a decadent and mouth-pleasing flavor to cocktails of many types.
Here are some of our favorite chocolate cocktails, to enjoy after a meal or as a nightcap. These cocktails are also fantastic for holiday parties.
Chocolate Martini
Rich and satisfying, this chocolate-based martini is a sweet spin on a time-honored classic. It features two chocolate spirits and splashes of vanilla and cream to round it out.
- 1 ½ oz. chocolate liqueur (Godiva or Bottega Gianduia are our favorites)
- 1 ½ oz. crème de cacao
- ½ oz. vanilla vodka
- 2 ½ oz. half-and-half (substitute heavy cream for added richness)
- Chocolate syrup for rim garnish
To prepare, add all the ingredients (except for the chocolate syrup) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously to combine. Garnish the cocktail glass rim by dipping it into a flat plate filled with chocolate syrup. Strain the cocktail into the glasses and serve immediately.
Tiramisu Cocktail
Tiramisu is a luxurious dessert treat, hailing from Italy. In its cocktail form, this recipe blends two chocolate liqueurs with coffee flavor and a dash of Amaretto (the nutty Italian spirit that has been enjoyed as a digestif for centuries).
- ½ oz. Amaretto
- ½ oz. dark or milk chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz. white chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz. espresso (may substitute a splash of concentrated coffee flavoring)
- Cocoa powder to garnish
- Half-and-half or heavy cream (optional)
Gently add each ingredient to an ice-filled glass, preferably layering with a bartender’s spoon. Martini glasses or coupes make great choices for glassware. The different layers will slowly merge, creating the flavor and appearance of tiramisu. To give the cocktail even more richness, add a splash of cream. Dust the top of the cocktail with cocoa powder as decoration, in traditional Italian form for a tiramisu. Serve immediately.
Citrus Chocolate Margarita
Citrus is, of course, the traditional tart flavor of the classic margarita. And citrus flavors pair nicely with chocolate. Add in some silver tequila and the result is a sweet, complex spin on a summertime classic cocktail. This drink is a great after-dinner sipper with all the richness of a dessert, but without the belly-busting effect.
- 2 ounces blanco tequila. Reposado tequila may be substituted for a smokier, more complex flavor
- 1 oz. chocolate liqueur (Godiva or another favorite)
- 1 oz. cream
- Splash of fresh-squeezed lime juice
- Splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Dash of chocolate bitters (Fee Brothers Aztec is our favorite)
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
To begin, prepare the glassware by combining equal parts sugar and cocoa powder in a small dish. Moisten the rims of margarita glasses with a lime wedge, then dip the rims into the sugar/cocoa powder mixture. Set the glassware aside.
Pour the tequila, citrus juices, chocolate liqueur, and bitters into a blender, add ice, then blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into the rimmed glasses and garnish with shaved chocolate sprinkled over the top. Optionally, the bartender can add swirls of chocolate syrup to the individual glasses for an even more decadent flavor and appearance.