This chocolate covered cherry martini will remind you of the candy-coated fruit, but in a drinkable, adult beverage form! I love to serve it for Valentine’s Day due to the pink color, but it would also be great for Easter or anytime you’re making something with cherries in it.
A chocolate covered cherry martini is sweet, candy-like, creamy, and ever so smooth to sip on. It’s got just 5 core ingredients (plus fun garnishes if you like) for a drink that’s not too complicated, but really delicious.
Like most martinis, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for this recipe. But, fear not, if you don’t have one you can just use a mason jar or something similar that you can shake liquids and ice in together.
I’ll also make sure to give you a list of different options for the ingredients, so you can adjust based on what you have on hand or can find at the liquor store. That’s the beauty of drinks; that you can often swap things around and still end up with something delicious!
For another great Valentine’s Day option, make sure to check out my Love Potion Cocktail too!
Ingredients List
3 ounces cherry vodka (such as UV cherry or Pinnacle)
3 ounces creme de cacao
½ ounce amaretto liquor
1 ounce grenadine
3 ounces half and half or heavy cream
Ice cubes
Optional garnishes:
Chocolate syrup (like Ghirardelli)
Maraschino cherries
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use black cherry vodka, or plain or vanilla vodka works if you cannot find cherry. In that case, use 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce cherry liquor
Instead of creme de cacao, you can use a chocolate vodka (like Van Gogh or 360 double chocolate), or chocolate liquor like Mozart or Godiva. You can also use white creme de cacao for a lighter pink hue overall
The amaretto is technically optional, but I think it helps bring out the cherry flavor. DiSaronno and DeKuyper are some common brands
In place of grenadine, you can use maraschino cherry juice, or it may be omitted altogether if you don’t care about the color (UV cherry vodka is red, so that’s also an option)
Step By Step Instructions
To a shaker (or similar), add vodka, creme de cacao, amaretto, grenadine, half and half, and ice cubes
Shake to combine and chill (about 30 seconds of active shaking)
(Optional) drizzle the inside of your martini glass with chocolate syrup. To do this, hold the syrup bottle inside the glass about ½” below the rim, then squeeze as you rotate the glass by the stem with your other hand
Strain the shaken mixture into the glass
Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired, and enjoy
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Cherry Liqueur in the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries by muddling or pureeing them as a substitute for cherry liqueur.
Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of cherry flavor.
How Do I Rim the Glass with Chocolate for an Enhanced Presentation of the Martini?
To rim the glass with chocolate, melt chocolate and dip the glass rim into it, ensuring an even coating.
Allow it to set before pouring in the chocolate covered cherry martini.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
To create a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the chocolate cherry martini, use chocolate milk and grenadine or maraschino cherry juice.
You can also add chocolate syrup to plain milk or half and half.
What Garnishes Complement the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
Garnish your martini with chocolate shavings or a maraschino cherry.
For a more unique visual, try a twist of orange peel which adds a hint of citrus as well.
Should I Use Fresh Cherries or Maraschino Cherries as a Garnish for the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
Both options work well as garnishes. Fresh cherries add a natural touch, while maraschino cherries contribute a sweetness and vibrant coloring.
Use your favorite, or go with maraschino if fresh cherries are not in season.
Are There Options for Adjusting the Sweetness Level of the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
Certainly! For a less sweet version, omit the grenadine and skip sweet garnishes like chocolate syrup and cocktail cherries.
For a sweeter version, add maraschino cherry juice or simple syrup to taste.
What Type of Glassware Is Recommended for Serving the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini?
The chocolate covered cherry martini is traditionally served in a martini glass, whether traditional or stemless.
If you don’t have a martini glass, a champagne coupe, hurricane glass, or milkshake glass are suitable alternatives.
Can I Prepare a Batch of Chocolate Covered Cherry Martinis for a Party in Advance?
Yes, you can mix a batch of chocolate covered cherry martinis in advance and refrigerate in a pitcher.
Add chocolate syrup if desired to individual glasses and garnish with cherries for serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
I have 12 ounce martini glasses. If you have a different size (or use a different glass), you may need to adjust the quantities to fit in your specific glass (or share with a friend)!
While martini glasses are the classic choice for glassware, you can use a champagne coupe, hurricane glass, milkshake glass, or a similar option if you don’t have martini glasses
If you prefer a weaker drink, add more cream or reduce the alcohol amounts to compensate
Storage and Serving Tips
This recipe scales well for parties. You can mix everything ahead of time aside from garnishes and simply store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator
When ready to serve, add garnishes like chocolate syrup to individual glasses, fill, and top with cocktail cherries or chocolate shavings if desired
This chocolate covered cherry martini is the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and more! It’s a drinkable, adult version of a chocolate covered cherry, which is a classic, candy coated confection, and it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With just 5 ingredients (plus ice and any garnishes) it’s a relatively simple cocktail that’s sure to impress. It only takes a few minutes to put together as well, making it great for entertaining or date night.
If you’re looking for more creative recipes to use up your vodka, make sure to check out my collection of Cherry Vodka Drinks for some unique and delicious ideas!
Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini (With Amaretto)
This chocolate covered cherry martini tastes just like the namesake candy! The pink color and sweet flavor makes it perfect for Valentine’s and Easter!
To a shaker (or similar), add vodka, crème de cacao, amaretto, grenadine, half and half, and ice cubes
3 Ounces cherry vodka, 3 Ounces crème de cacao, ½ Ounce amaretto liquor, 1 Ounce grenadine, 3 Ounces heavy cream or half and half, Ice cubes
Shake to combine and chill (about 30 seconds of active shaking)
(Optional) drizzle the inside of your martini glass with chocolate syrup. To do this, hold the syrup bottle inside the glass about ½” below the rim, then squeeze as you rotate the glass by the stem with your other hand
Chocolate syrup
Strain the shaken mixture into the glass
Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired, and enjoy
Maraschino cherries
Notes
You can also use black cherry vodka, or plain or vanilla vodka works if you cannot find cherry. In that case, use 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce cherry liquor
Instead of crème de cacao, you can use chocolate vodka (like Van Gogh or 360 double chocolate), or chocolate liquor like Mozart or Godiva. You can also use white crème de cacao for a lighter pink hue overall
The amaretto is technically optional, but I think it helps bring out the cherry flavor. DiSaronno and DeKuyper are some common brands
In place of grenadine, you can use maraschino cherry juice, or it may be omitted altogether if you don’t care about the color (UV cherry vodka is red, so that’s also an option)
I have 12 ounce martini glasses. If you have a different size (or use a different glass), you may need to adjust the quantities to fit in your specific glass (or share with a friend)!
While martini glasses are the classic choice for glassware, you can use a champagne coupe, hurricane glass, milkshake glass, or a similar option if you don’t have martini glasses
If you prefer a weaker drink, add more cream or reduce the alcohol amounts to compensate
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or garnishes added, size of glass, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
