She’s a crowd-pleaser. She’s got it all. We’re talking about chocolate – one of the most popular food items in the world. A mere mention of chocolate is enough to summon a sea of chocolate connoisseurs. For years, it has been at the forefront of satisfying sweet tooth cravings (and left us with a few cavities). However, we don’t appreciate enough how well it combines with liquor. So, this International Chocolate Day, we’ll be shedding light on this underrated duo that best shines through these cocktails.
Chocolate-based Cocktails That You Should Try:
- Chocolate Martini
- Chocolate Eggnog With Bourbon
- Grasshopper
- Chocolate Manhattan
- Lumumba
- Golden Cadillac
Chocolate Martini
The versatile Martini makes a comeback, yet again, in this listicle. Just when the 90s saw ‘flavored’ Martinis gain popularity, the chocolate Martini entered the scene with its sweet, chocolaty flavor. It can be served as an after-dinner dessert cocktail or a good enough nightcap. Sip away at the delicious, rich chocolate and boozy vodka in one sip. It’s like the classic killing-two-birds-in-one-stone scenario where you’re only winning!
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 oz of chocolate liqueur
- 2 oz of vodka
- 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, additional syrup for drizzling
- Shaved chocolate to garnish
Instructions
- Pour chocolate syrup into a shallow glass.
- Dip the rim of a Martini glass into the syrup to coat the rim evenly.
- Drizzle some more syrup inside the glass and set aside.
- Combine vodka, Baileys and chocolate liqueur in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake well for about 20 seconds. Make sure it is chilled enough.
- Strain the contents into the Martini glass.
- Garnish with shaved chocolate and serve!
Also Read: 10 Best Martini Recipes
Chocolate Eggnog With Bourbon
We all know that the Holiday season is incomplete without some classic eggnog. This version of the Holiday-staple eggnog whisks in some bourbon effortlessly to lend it a boozy upgrade. The smooth, silky texture of the eggnog pairs up well with decadent chocolate, and bourbon just adds that slight tinge of tipsy-ness, without going overboard. After all, who said that the Holiday Season can be celebrated only once a year?
Ingredients
- ⅛ cups of milk
- ½ cups of eggnog
- 1 oz of bourbon
- ½ oz of chopped dark chocolate
- ¼ teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
- Shaved chocolate to garnish
Instructions
- Combine chocolate, milk, and cocoa powder in a heat-proof bowl.
- Transfer it over a bowl of simmering water.
- Heat and whisk until the chocolate has completely melted. Mix it well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool down.
- Beat eggnog in a stand mixer for about 5 minutes.
- Now, turn the speed to low and pour the milk/chocolate mixture into it. Whisk until it is well combined.
- Add bourbon and mix until combined well.
- Let it chill for at least an hour.
- Pour the mixture into a glass of your choice, and dig into the decadent goodness!
Grasshopper
You can hate grasshoppers as much as you like, but no, not this one. Mint and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser combination, and when you combine it with some booze, you’re signing up for some delicious goodness. The bright mint-green colored cocktail combines cool, minty flavor with rich chocolate, and just enough alcohol that you won’t even notice it. This easy-to-make drink makes up for a good dessert alternative, when you’re about to hit the hay. Don’t worry, no bugs will be harmed in the making of this sumptuous cocktail!
Ingredients
- ¾ oz of crème de menthe (a sweet, mint-flavored alcoholic beverage)
- ¾ oz of white crème de cacao (a vanilla-scented chocolate bean flavored spirit)
- ¼ oz of heavy cream
- Shaved chocolate to garnish
Instructions
- Keep a coupe glass to chill in the refrigerator.
- Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain the contents into the pre-chilled glass.
- Top it up with a generous dash of shaved chocolate and serve.
Also Read: Best Apéritif Drinks To Try
Chocolate Manhattan
The iconic Manhattan is always ready to steal the show, be it a lavish party or a cozy family dinner. With a dash of chocolate, the Manhattan gets elevated up a notch. The key to perfecting any Manhattan cocktail is balancing sweet vermouth with subtle notes of bourbon. This chocolaty version of the iconic cocktail aces that equation, adding the perfect amount of bittersweet cacao. Sip away at this decadent drink after a long day of work. We bet you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 2 oz of bourbon
- ⅙ oz of crème de cacao
- ⅙ oz of maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz of vermouth
- 6 drops of chocolate bitters (aromatic bitters made of cacao)
Instructions
- Set aside a coupe glass to chill.
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Fill it with ice and stir until combined, for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the contents into the pre-chilled glass.
- Your chocolate Manhattan is ready to be served!
Hot Chocolate Lumumba
What happens when brandy sneaks in into the classic hot chocolate? We don’t know, maybe ask Lumumba. With just three ingredients, the Lumumba is like a warm hug in a cup. It is the perfect drink to make when the weather is chilly and you’re too lazy to function. Variations of it replace the rum with brandy, or hot cocoa with cold, so you can play around as per your liking. The result will always be mind-blowing!
Ingredients
- 6-8 oz of milk
- 1 ½ oz of rum
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream to garnish
- Milk froth to garnish
Instructions
- Pour milk into a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium to high heat until bubbles appear. Turn off the heat.
- Add chocolate chips and let it melt completely (This is an optional step).
- Pour in the cocoa powder and whisk until well-combined. Make sure that lumps are dissolved.
- In a glass, pour the rum.
- Transfer the milk/chocolate mixture into the glass. Mix well.
- Garnish with milk froth.
- Top it up with a generous dollop of whipped cream and we’re ready to serve!
Also Read: Best Baileys Irish Cream Flavors To Try
Golden Cadillac
We bet you must’ve seen Elvis Presley’s iconic Pink Cadillac. After all, it was all the rage back in the daring 70s. Similarly, the Golden Cadillac pays homage to everything vintage. It combines Galliano liqueur (an Italian herbal liqueur) with the light crème de cacao and heavy cream. Thanks to Galliano liqueur, the drink gets its signature golden color. It makes for a rich, after-dinner drink when you have just enough space in your stomach for some dessert. A sip of the Golden Cadillac is enough to drive you crazy, pun intended.
Ingredients
- 1 oz of Galliano liqueur
- 1 oz of white crème de cacao
- 1 oz of heavy cream
- Shaved chocolate to garnish
Instructions
- Set aside a coupe glass to chill.
- Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill it with ice and shake until chilled. You know the drill.
- Pour it into the pre-chilled glass.
- Garnish with shaved chocolate and gear up for a long drive in this Cadillac!
Summing Up
Now that you are well-versed with a few chocolate cocktail ideas, we recommend trying them out for yourself. The universal appeal of chocolate makes it perfect for incorporating into cocktails. Celebrate International Chocolate Day with your friends and family by impressing them with your new-found craft. Worry not, you can thank us with a chocolate cocktail later!
FAQs
What Liquor Is Best In Hot Chocolate?
There are a few liquors that pair comparatively well with chocolate. These include rum, whisky, chili-infused tequila, Baileys Irish cream, and brandy.
Can I Eat Chocolate With Whisky?
Yes. Chocolate pairs well with whisky, making it an ideal choice for a date night or a hangout session with your friends.
What Is Galliano?
Galliano is an Italian, golden-colored herbal liqueur. It is made with a secret recipe that combines 30 herbs, plant extracts, and spices. Cinnamon, star anise and peppermint are a few ingredients that give Galliano its distinct flavor.
What Is An Eggnog Made Of?
Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, milk, egg yolk, vanilla extract, sugar and heavy cream. Often, rum or brandy is added, and served with cinnamon sticks as garnish.
Should I Shake Or Stir A Martini?
Most bartenders often shake a Martini so that flavors are well-incorporated. It also helps to break the ice and chill it nicely.
Why Is It Called Lumumba?
It is named after Congolese politician Patrice Lumumba. However, there is ambiguity over whether the name represents a genuine commemoration of the politician or if it derives from a veiled form of racism.
Is Crème De Menthe The Same As Peppermint Schnapps?
Both are different. Even though they are made in a similar way, peppermint schnapps isn’t as sweet, has an enhanced mint flavor, and packs more alcohol than crème de menthe.
Should I Chill My Martini Glass?
Even though it’s a personal preference, it’s usually recommended to chill the glass for at least 30 minutes. This helps in keeping the drink cooler for a longer period, while also enhancing the experience.
