Ingredients:
Espresso:
The espresso gives your martini that deep, rich coffee flavor and the perfect balance to all the sweetness. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water or even cold brew concentrate for a similar effect. It’s the backbone of this cocktail and what makes it taste like a true espresso martini.Vodka:
Vodka keeps this cocktail light and clean while giving it the perfect boozy base. Tito’s is my go-to, but if you want to add extra flavor, a vanilla vodka would taste amazing here. It blends beautifully with the coffee and chocolate without overpowering them.Coffee Liqueur:
Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) adds that rich sweetness and depth that rounds out the espresso. It’s what gives this drink its signature espresso martini flavor while keeping it smooth and velvety.Chocolate Cream Liqueur:
The star of the show! Chocolate cream liqueur (I love Baileys Chocolate) gives this drink that dreamy, dessert-like texture. It’s what turns your typical espresso martini into an adult hot chocolate moment — creamy, cozy, and absolutely delicious.Ice:
You might not think ice matters, but it does. Shaking with the right amount of ice chills the drink quickly and helps create that frothy top that makes an espresso martini so irresistible.Garnish (Chocolate + Espresso Beans):
The finishing touch! Grated chocolate adds a little sweetness and aroma, while espresso beans give that classic martini look. Plus, it’s the easiest way to make your drink look like it came straight from a cocktail bar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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It tastes like a creamy, boozy dessert in a glass.
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You only need a few ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.
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You can make it year-round — because who doesn’t want chocolate and espresso any time of day?
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It’s perfect for impressing guests during the holidays without any extra effort.
Equipment Needed:
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Cocktail Shaker: To mix and chill the ingredients while creating that frothy top.
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Jigger or Measuring Cup: To measure each liquid accurately for perfect balance.
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Strainer: To pour the cocktail smoothly into the glass without ice chunks.
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Martini Glass: Because presentation matters — it makes the experience feel special.
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Microplane or Grater: For adding that fancy grated chocolate garnish on top.
Substitutions and Modifications:
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No Espresso Machine? Use instant espresso powder or a strong cold brew concentrate.
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Make It Sweeter: Add ½ ounce of simple syrup or chocolate syrup.
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Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free chocolate liqueur or coconut cream liqueur.
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Add Extra Flavor: Try a splash of peppermint schnapps for a holiday twist or hazelnut liqueur for a Nutella vibe.
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Make It Non-Alcoholic: Mix cold brew, chocolate syrup, and a splash of cream for a mocktail version.
Chocolate Espresso Martini (Like Adult Chocolate Milk!)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso
- 2 ounces vodka I use Tito’s
- 1 ounce cfee liqueur Kahlúa works perfectly
- 1 ½ ounces chocolate cream liqueur like Baileys Chocolate
- Ice
- Optional garnish: grated chocolate and three espresso beans
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the espresso (freshly brewed or cooled), vodka, coffee liqueur, and chocolate cream liqueur.
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds — you want it extra cold and super frothy on top.
- Strain into chilled martini glasses.
- Garnish with grated chocolate and three espresso beans for that classic touch.
- Serve immediately, sip, and enjoy your barista-meets-bartender moment.
Video
Tips and Tricks:
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Brew your espresso ahead of time and let it cool slightly before shaking so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
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Shake longer than you think — that’s how you get that creamy foam layer on top.
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Chill your martini glasses beforehand for the best presentation.
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Use high-quality chocolate liqueur; it really makes a difference in flavor.
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Double the recipe if you’re making drinks for two — it’s just easier to shake them all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without espresso?
Yes! Use cold brew concentrate or instant espresso dissolved in water. You’ll still get that bold coffee flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Not really. This cocktail is best enjoyed right after shaking so you get that creamy, foamy top.
Can I use regular Baileys instead of the chocolate version?
Absolutely! It’ll be slightly less chocolatey but still perfectly delicious. You can even add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to make up for it.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
You can use a mason jar with a tight lid. Just shake it like crazy and strain through a small mesh sieve.
Storage Instructions
If you’re hosting, you can easily scale this up! Mix all your liquid ingredients in a large pitcher or measuring cup (minus the ice) and store in the fridge until ready to serve. When it’s cocktail time, pour individual portions into a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and garnish. It’s the easiest way to play bartender for a crowd.
For example, for 6 servings:
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6 ounces espresso
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6 ounces vodka
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3 ounces coffee liqueur
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4 ½ ounces chocolate cream liqueur
More of my recipes
Do you LOVE Making Cocktails at Home?! Check Out MORE of my Favs:Sugar Cookie Espresso Martini recipe for Any Occasion Simple Vibrant Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini Recipe (With VIDEO) Frozen Watermelon Margarita (4-Ingredient Recipe!) – Easy, Refreshing, Perfect for SummerConclusion
This chocolate espresso martini is truly dessert in a glass — creamy, rich, and just the right amount of boozy. It’s perfect for any holiday gathering or late-night treat when you want to feel fancy without any effort. You’ll feel like your own mixologist, and honestly, it might just become your new signature drink.
💌 Comment recipe below and I’ll DM you the full written recipe, or google Munchies by Mallory Chocolate Espresso Martini to find it on my site! And tell me in the comments what cocktail you want to see next in my holiday series 🍸
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