Chocolate Espresso Martini: The Perfect After-Dinner Cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

Our Chocolate Espresso Martini has become our go-to drink for special occasions. This rich and creamy cocktail combines the bold flavor of espresso with smooth chocolate vodka and a touch of amaretto to create something truly special that’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, or any time you want to treat yourself. The best part? It only takes about 5 minutes to make from start to finish!

Why I Love This Recipe

My son introduced us to this chocolate espresso martini when he came home for Christmas, and it immediately became a family favorite. We love it because it tastes like a dessert in a glass – smooth, sweet, and absolutely delicious. Now it’s become our go-to drink for romantic dinners, girls’ nights, or any time we want to turn an ordinary evening into something special.

What makes this recipe so special is how it combines three amazing flavors in one glass. The rich espresso wakes you up while the chocolate and amaretto make everything taste smooth and fancy.

Important note: This drink is stronger than it tastes! The coffee and chocolate flavors hide just how much alcohol is in here, so please enjoy responsibly. I recommend limiting yourself to one or two of these in an evening – trust me on this one!

Key Ingredient Notes

While you’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below, I wanted to highlight a few important ingredients:

• Espresso or Strong Coffee: You can use freshly brewed espresso, leftover coffee from your morning pot, or even instant espresso powder mixed with hot water. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you add it to your shaker! Cold brew coffee also works great and gives a smooth flavor.
• Chocolate Vodka: This is the star of the show! You can find chocolate vodka at most liquor stores. Look for it in the flavored vodka section. If you can’t find chocolate vodka, you can use regular vodka and add a splash of chocolate liqueur instead.
• Amaretto: This sweet almond-flavored liqueur adds a nutty richness that makes everything come together. Don’t skip it – it’s what makes this drink special!
• Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is the most popular brand, but any coffee liqueur will work. This adds extra coffee flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Ice: Use plenty of ice when shaking! This makes the drink nice and cold and gives it that slightly frothy top.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Espresso Martinis

Before you head to the recipe card, here are some helpful tips I’ve learned from making this drink many times:

• Chill Your Glass: Pop your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail perfectly chilled and looks fancy with that frosty coating.
• Shake It Hard: When you shake your cocktail shaker, really shake it! Shake for at least 15-20 seconds to get everything super cold and create that lovely foam on top. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works great too.
• Use Fresh Espresso: If you can make fresh espresso, it tastes amazing in this drink. But don’t stress – regular strong coffee works perfectly fine. Just let it cool to room temperature first so it doesn’t melt all your ice.

• Strain It Well: Use a fine strainer or the built-in strainer on your shaker to keep ice chips out of your glass. You want a smooth, silky drink.
• Make It Pretty: The garnish isn’t just for looks – coffee beans floating on top give a hint of what’s inside, and chocolate shavings or a drizzle make it look bakery-fancy!

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate espresso martini is perfect as an after-dinner drink when you want something that feels like dessert but also gives you a little energy boost. It’s also great for:

• Date Nights: Skip the restaurant and make these at home for a romantic evening
• Valentine’s Day: The chocolate makes it perfect for this special occasion
• New Year’s Eve: Ring in the new year with something fancy
• Girls’ Night: Serve these with appetizers and your friends will think you’re the best hostess ever
• Brunch Cocktails: Yes, this has caffeine! It’s perfect for a boozy brunch

To serve, simply pour into chilled martini glasses and top with three coffee beans (the traditional garnish) or get creative with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or even a small piece of chocolate on the rim. Some people like to rim the glass with chocolate syrup first – just dip the edge in syrup, then in cocoa powder. So pretty!

I like to serve these with a small plate of chocolates or biscotti on the side for nibbling.

Storage and Leftovers

Here’s the thing – this drink is best enjoyed fresh! The ice-cold temperature and that frothy top are what make it special, so I don’t recommend making it ahead.

However, you can prep some things in advance:

• Brew your espresso or coffee and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Chill your glasses ahead of time
• Measure out your ingredients and have everything ready to go

If you somehow have leftover cocktail (which is rare!), you can store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick shake with ice before serving to get it cold and frothy again.

Variations to Try

• Mocha Martini: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to make it extra chocolatey and a bit sweeter
• White Chocolate Version: Replace the chocolate vodka with vanilla vodka and add white chocolate liqueur for a lighter, creamier drink
• Spicy Kick: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to give it a warm, spicy twist
• Dairy-Free: Use a splash of coconut cream or almond milk for a creamy texture without dairy
• Lower Alcohol: Cut the vodka in half and add a splash of cold brew coffee concentrate for a lighter version

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this chocolate espresso martini, I bet you’ll also love some of my other cocktail recipes! My Blood Orange Godmother uses vodka with a citrus twist that’s so refreshing. For a whiskey lover, try my Black and Gold Whisky, which is smooth and luxurious. And if you’re feeding a crowd, my Cuban Manhattan Cocktail is always a hit at parties and gatherings! Our most popular cocktail recipe is our Campari Cocktail with Pineapple. You definitely have to try that one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without espresso? Yes! Use strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or even instant espresso mixed with water. Just make sure it’s cooled down first.

Is this drink really that strong? Yes! It tastes sweet and smooth, but it packs a punch. The chocolate and coffee flavors hide the alcohol taste, so it’s easy to drink too many. Stick to one or two.

Can I make a big batch for a party? You can mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher (without ice), then shake individual servings with ice as guests arrive. This keeps it fresh and cold.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar, a water bottle, or even a protein shaker bottle! As long as it seals tight, you can shake your cocktail in it.

Why does my drink look flat? You probably didn’t shake it long enough or hard enough. Shake for at least 20 seconds with lots of ice to thoroughly chill and combine your coffee cocktail.

Ready to Make Your Own Chocolate Martini?

This chocolate espresso martini has become one of my most treasured cocktail recipes, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too! The combination of rich chocolate, bold espresso, and smooth amaretto makes it stand out from other martinis. It’s fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough to make on a regular Tuesday night when you want to feel special.

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this delicious coffee cocktail? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below! And if you agree, like us, it’s the best espresso martini recipe, please give this recipe a 5-star rating – it helps other home mixologists find great recipes like this one. And remember – enjoy responsibly!

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Originally published: January 23, 2015

Updated: October 10, 2025 – Enhanced with more detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. No changes were made to the recipe.