One of my all time favorite desserts is black forest cake. So, of course when I got my hands on Crown Royal chocolate whisky, I had to use it to make a black forest cake cocktail! It’s like dessert in a glass, with tart cherry, sweet chocolate, and a creamy finish that’s divine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The black forest cake cocktail is pure indulgence in a glass, combining the nostalgic flavors of the classic German dessert with the sophistication of a well-crafted drink.
Rich notes of chocolate and cherry blend seamlessly with the warmth of whiskey, creating a dessert cocktail that feels both decadent and celebratory!
It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves after-dinner drinks, as it doubles as both cocktail and dessert (though it also goes great when served with dessert).
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic evening, or looking for a festive holiday treat, this cocktail adds a touch of elegance and whimsy.
With its velvety texture and balanced sweetness, it’s a simple yet delicious mixed drink you can use to showcase your Crown Royal chocolate whisky!
Katie’s tip
Looking for other whiskey flavors to enjoy? Try my Crown Peach Drinks and Blackberry Crown Recipes for more great ideas!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- ½ ounce amaretto liqueur
- 2 ounces tart cherry juice
- ½ ounce heavy cream or half and half (or to taste)
- Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Since Crown Royal chocolate can be tricky to find, you can also use another chocolate whiskey (like Bird Dog), or swap in a chocolate vodka instead. Alternatively, use 1 ounce of a plain liquor and add ½ ounce of chocolate liqueur (such as creme de cacao or Godiva), or more to taste, for flavoring
- You could also use regular cherry juice instead of tart cherry, but I prefer the tart to balance the sweetness levels. You can also use a cherry liqueur like cherry Kijafa or Kirschwasser (which is actually traditional to black forest cake) for flavor instead of juice (but this will make it a stronger drink overall due to lacking mixers). A raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) also works well, for a flavor variation!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass filled with ice (or a chilled martini glass or coupe for a more elegant presentation)
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and chocolate shavings if desired, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Classic Black Forest cake or chocolate cherry cheesecake for a thematic match!
- Dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered cherries for bite-sized indulgence
- Rich brownies or flourless chocolate cake for those who love extra decadence
Savory Appetizers
- A charcuterie board with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and cured meats like prosciutto or salami – the cocktail’s sweetness balances the savory, salty flavors!
- Roasted nuts or candied pecans for a crunchy contrast. Try my Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans for a crunchy bite!
- Puff pastry bites or baked brie with cherry preserves to mirror the drink’s cherry notes. My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites would be perfect (swap cranberry for cherry preserves)!
Main Course
- Grilled steak or beef tenderloin with a cherry reduction sauce, echoing the cocktail’s deep flavors
- Duck or pork dishes with fruit-based glazes (like cherry or cranberry) that complement the drink
- Mushroom risotto or other earthy dishes that balance the cocktail’s richness
Recipe FAQs
Is Black Forest Cake Boozy?
Traditional black forest cake often contains a cherry liqueur called Kirsch (Kirschwasser), which gives it a subtle boozy flavor. However, not all recipes include alcohol – some use cherry syrup or preserves instead, making it family-friendly.
Can You Make This Drink in Advance?
You can prepare parts of the black forest cake cocktail in advance, such as mixing the juice and base spirits together and keeping them chilled.
However, it’s best to add fresh cream, garnish, and any whipped topping right before serving to maintain the drink’s texture and presentation.
Can I Use a Different Liquor?
Absolutely! Whiskey and vodka are classic choices for a black forest cocktail, but rum or gin can create unique flavor combinations, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Tips For the Best Black Forest Cake Cocktail
- The cream will separate slightly. Shaking it will help smooth it out, but you’ll periodically want to re-stir the cocktail to keep it looking smooth. Alternatively, float cream by pouring over the back of a spoon instead. Feel free to omit the cream as well if preferred (you’ll have a deep red drink that’s slightly stronger instead)
- For a sweeter drink, use regular (not tart) cherry juice, or add some simple syrup, maraschino cherry juice, or honey to taste
- To adjust strength, reduce the liquor, or add more juice to dilute strength, or add more whiskey for extra strength
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Glassware Choice – Serve in a coupe or martini glass for a classic, elegant look, or opt for a short rocks glass if you want a more casual, dessert-style feel
- Chocolate Rim – Dip the rim of the glass in melted chocolate or chocolate syrup, then roll it in crushed chocolate shavings or cookie crumbs for a decadent touch
- Whipped Cream Topping – A swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream not only mirrors the cake inspiration but also adds a creamy contrast to the cocktail!
- Cherry Garnish – Crown the drink with a brandied cherry, maraschino cherry, or even a fresh cherry dipped in chocolate for a show-stopping finish
- Extra Indulgence – Sprinkle on shaved dark chocolate, cocoa powder, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style effect!
Final Thoughts
This easy and delicious black forest cake cocktail features smooth chocolate and cherry flavor that makes it taste like dessert in a glass. It’s the perfect sipping drink, and perfect paired with the actual dessert!
It’s versatile and easy to customize, from using different ingredients even to the assembly! I like to just mix mine all together for convenience, but you can add the cream to the top and then garnish with decadent delights for a treat!
For more ways to use your bottle of whiskey, check out all of my delicious Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes for more inspiration!
Black Forest Cake Cocktail With Crown Chocolate Whisky
Equipment
- Rocks glass (or similar)
- Shaker (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- ½ ounce amaretto liqueur
- 2 ounces tart cherry juice
- ½ ounce heavy cream or half and half (or to taste)
- Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except garnishes to a cocktail shaker (or similar; like a mason jar with lid) along with a handful of ice cubes1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky, ½ ounce amaretto liqueur, 2 ounces tart cherry juice, ½ ounce heavy cream or half and half
- Shake until frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass filled with ice (or a chilled martini glass or coupe for a more elegant presentation)
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and chocolate shavings or syrup if desired, and enjoy!Maraschino cherry for garnish
Notes
- Crown Royal chocolate can be tricky to find, so you can also use another chocolate whiskey (like Bird Dog), or swap in a chocolate vodka instead. Alternatively, use 1 ounce of a plain liquor and add ½ ounce of chocolate liqueur (such as creme de cacao or Godiva), or more to taste, for flavoring
- You could also use regular cherry juice instead of tart cherry, but I prefer the tart to balance the sweetness levels. You can also use a cherry liqueur like cherry Kijafa or Kirschwasser (which is actually traditional to black forest cake) for flavor instead of juice (but this will make it a stronger drink overall due to lacking mixers). A raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) also works well, for a flavor variation!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
