This chocolate espresso martini recipe is the ultimate dessert cocktail for any chocolate lover wanting a luxurious cocktail experience.

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Why my recipe
This drink is a delicate, smoother version of a traditional espresso martini. It feels extra rich and indulgent, so it's sure to up your cocktail game. You will love how the bold espresso balances the rich chocolate notes perfectly. It is an impressive yet simple cocktail recipe for your next dinner party or date night. If you love a classic espresso martini, you'll want to give this rendition a try.
Give my Creamy Espresso Martini a try next!
equipment needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Stainer
- Martini Glasses, Coupe Glasses, or Highball Glasses
Ingredients and substitutions
- Vodka: Use a high-quality brand or try vanilla vodka for extra sweetness. I like to interchange them depending on my mood. Another great option to consider is using reposada tequila.
- Freshly brewed espresso: Use best quality espresso or decaf espresso if you prefer. Strong cold brew is also a great alternative. Or make some espresso with instant espresso powder.
- Coffee liqueur: I use Kahlua but Tia Maria and Mr. Black are great alternatives.
- Chocolate liqueur: I like chocolate Baileys, but Godiva chocolate liqueur, or creme de cocoa works well too.
- Ice: Use fresh ice cubes to chill the drink quickly.
Optional ingredients:
- Simple syrup: I don't think this drink needs simple syrup, but you are welcome to add it if you feel like it needs more sweetness. I have a great recipe for simple syrup. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several weeks.
- Egg white: This is optional but creates a silky, creamy texture and great foam on the top.
- Garnishes: Three espresso beans placed on top of the cocktail (coffee beans work too). A dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass, and a sugared rim and you'll have a drink in place of a dessert.

Directions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and espresso.
- Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
- Add three coffee beans on top of the cocktail or dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Note: if using the egg white, add it to the cocktail shaker first. Then add the remaining ingredients except the ice. Shake the drink well, add the ice and shake well again. Strain into glasses for a creamy, tasty treat. Garnish as desired.






Tips for success
- Freshly brewed coffee from an espresso machine has the best, unique flavor profile. I love my Nespresso Vertuo for making my espresso martinis!
- If you don't have chocolate liqueur, mix cocoa powder and simple syrup together into your espresso.
- For an even creamier texture, add a splash of light cream. Heavy cream can also be used depending on how heavy your sweet liqueurs are.
- Brisk shaking is the secret to getting that beautiful foam on this espresso martini drink.
- This drink is wonderful for special occasions like Valentine's Day or dinner parties. I like to make it for a cozy night in.
How to store
This cocktail is meant to be served fresh, so I don't recommend storing a finished drink. If you want to prep ahead:
- Mix ahead and chill. You can combine the spirits and coffee in a sealed container and chill overnight.
- Add ice and shake later. When you're ready to serve, add ice and shake as usual to get that frothy top.
More cocktails
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Chocolate Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur such as Kalua
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur such as Baileys
- 1 oz espresso
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur and espresso.
- Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
- Add three coffee beans on top of the cocktail or dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Note: if using the egg white, add it to the cocktail shaker first. Then add the remaining ingredients except the ice. Shake the drink well, add the ice and shake well again. Strain into glasses for a creamy, tasty treat.
- Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Always use freshly brewed coffee from an espresso machine for the best unique flavor profile. I love my Nespresso Vertuo for making my espresso martinis!
- If you lack chocolate liqueur, mix cocoa powder and simple syrup together into your espresso.
- For an even creamier texture, add a splash of light cream. Heavy cream can also be used depending on how heavy your sweet liqueurs are.
- Brisk shaking is the secret to getting that beautiful foam on this espresso martini drink.
- This drink is wonderful for special occasions like Valentine's Day or dinner parties. I like to make it for a cozy night in.






Evangeline says
My favorite!!