Dessert first has long been our motto. Rather than spoiling our appetites, though, we’re getting our fix with these top chocolate cocktails – the ideal elixir for long winter nights ahead.
Nutella Blue Martini, Philippe, New York, New York
Chocolate and hazelnut are a celebrated pairing, and you’ll find it in this martini made with Martell Blue Cognac, Frangelico, Nutella, and fresh mint and garnished with raspberries. Make a reservation at Philippe.
Love Goddess, Raven & Rose, Portland, Oregon
A boozy spin on ice cream, this cocktail is made with chocolate stout ice cream balls, Black Grouse Blended Scotch, Crème de Menthe, housemade coffee liqueur, and six drops of Be-Loved Aphrodisiac Bitters (featuring local bee honey). Make a reservation at Raven & Rose.
Airisshu Coffee, Katsuya-South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Stylish and unique, this South Beach cocktail is created with Makers Mark bourbon and Japanese iced coffee infused with chocolate and is topped with housemade cinnamon whipped cream. Make a reservation at Katsuya-South Beach.
Fin D’ Noir, Fixe, Austin, Texas
Executive chef James Robert’s chocolate cocktail is so sweet it’s listed on the dessert menu. It’s made with Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Frangelico, Tellamore Dew, cold brew coffee, and freshly shaved chocolate. Make a reservation at Fixe.
Mocha Martini, The Tuck Room, New York, New York
Tuck into this boozy chocolate martini made with housemade chocolate liqueur (dark chocolate, strong coffee, heavy cream, maple syrup, cognac, dark rum, and pure vanilla extract), vodka, espresso, and a salted mocha rim. Make a reservation at The Tuck Room.
Adults Only, Fearrington House, Pittsboro, North Carolina
Love chocolate covered cherries? This sip is made with housemade crème de cacao, cherry brandy, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur, cold brew coffee, Niagara Cherry Icewine Shrub, orgeat, and an Absinthe rinse. It’s garnished with brandied cherries and layer of shaved dark chocolate. Make a reservation at Fearrington House.
Pick Up Line Martini, MB Steak-Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
You had me at chocolate! The Pick Up Line Martini is mixed with Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, vanilla cream, and cold brew coffee — a flirty cocktail we’ll fall for every time. Make a reservation at MB Steak-Hard Rock Hotel.
Chocolate Martini, The Root Restaurant & Bar, White Lake, Michigan
Keep calm and get your chocolate on with this trifecta of a chocolate cocktail forged from Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, chocolate bitters, and Amaro Averna and adorned with whipped Guernsey’s cream. Make a reservation at The Root Restaurant & Bar.
Room Service, Sen Sakana, New York, New York
The idea behind this sip and its name is “a mint chocolate sitting on a hotel pillow.” It’s crafted with a housemade marshmallow soaked in Japanese Whiskey and topped with crème de menthe and crème de cacao (using Peruvian chocolate). Make a reservation at Sen Sakana.
Chocolate Martini, Roaring Fork, Scottsdale, Arizona
A southwest sip for serious chocoholics — satisfy your crave with a sweet martini of Van Gogh Chocolate Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and white crème de cocoa. Make a reservation at Roaring Fork.
What are your picks for the top chocolate cocktails? Tell us here or over on Facebook, G+, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. And, remember to snap + share your #dishpics with us on Instagram for a chance to win in our weekly giveaway.
Laurie Bain Wilson is a Boston-based journalist, author, and essayist who writes often about travel, food, and baseball. Find her on Twitter @laurieheather.
