The espresso martini is a classic crowd favorite cocktail typically made with vodka. However, I’m using Crown Royal chocolate whisky to give this chocolate espresso martini a twist, for a decadent and rich flavor that’s perfect after dinner or alongside your dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance: This variation on a chocolate martini recipe blends the rich boldness of espresso with the smooth sweetness of chocolate for a well-rounded flavor (and chocolate and coffee flavors are a perfect combo)!
- Energizing Twist: The coffee kick makes it both a cocktail and a pick-me-up, ideal for late-night gatherings! Plus, it’s a flavor favorite as 73% of Americans drink coffee daily – perfect for the coffee lovers!
- Decadent Treat: This twist on the classic espresso martini feels like a dessert in a glass, satisfying both cocktail and sweet cravings. Using Crown chocolate whiskey adds warm and cozy notes as well!
- Elegant Presentation: Typically served in a martini glass with chocolate shavings or coffee beans, it has a sophisticated look that’s perfect for casual, classy, and business occasions
- Versatile Occasion Drink: The creamy texture works equally well for after-dinner sipping, special celebrations, or as a party showstopper!
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- ½ ounce Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur)
- 1-2 ounces fresh espresso, cooled (or espresso cold brew; to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of Crown chocolate, you can use another brand of chocolate flavored whiskey (like Bird Dog), chocolate vodka (such as Van Gogh), or 1 ounce of a plain liquor and ½ ounce chocolate liqueur (such as crème de cacao or Godiva chocolate liqueur) for flavor
- Fresh cooled espresso is great, but I like to use cold brew so I don’t need to wait for it to cool. You can also use 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder, rehydrated and cooled
- To make a creamer drink, you can add up to 1 ounce of half and half or heavy cream (this will also help to cut the strength)
Why Crown Royal Chocolate is the Perfect Choice
Crown Royal chocolate whisky is the perfect choice for a chocolate espresso martini because it naturally enhances both the coffee and chocolate flavors.
Its smooth, rich cocoa notes add depth without overpowering the espresso, creating a silky balance of sweetness and bitterness. Plus, the whisky’s velvety finish makes the cocktail feel more indulgent and refined than using a standard vodka or liqueur base!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the Crown chocolate whisky, espresso, and Kahlua to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until chilled and frothy, usually about 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar). You may need to take the top off and bypass the strainer to get the signature froth to pour out (but remove the ice)
- Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and the classic 3 coffee beans if desired, and enjoy!
More Espresso Martini Flavors
- Orange Espresso Martini
- Tiramisu Espresso Martini
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Tiramisu – mirrors the coffee and cocoa flavors for a seamless match. My Tiramisu Mug Cake is the perfect single serve option!
- Dark Chocolate Truffles – enhances the rich, velvety notes of the cocktail
- Cheesecake (bonus for espresso or chocolate swirl) – creamy and indulgent against the bold drink
- Molten Lava Cake – chocolate on chocolate decadence with a warm center. Try Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Lava Cake for a quick option!
Cheese & Savory Bites
- Aged Gouda or Parmesan – their nutty, caramel-like notes pair well with chocolate whisky
- Brie with Fig Jam – creamy, sweet, and a nice contrast to the cocktail’s bitterness
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates – sweet-savory richness complements the espresso and whisky. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates are a great choice!
Sweet Snacks
- Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans – double down on the coffee kick!
- Almond Biscotti – crunchy and slightly nutty for texture contrast. My Air Fryer Biscotti Recipe is perfect (especially when dipped in chocolate too)!
- Salted Caramel Popcorn – sweet-salty balance that highlights the drink’s smoothness
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make This Drink In Advance?
You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge, but it’s best shaken fresh with ice just before serving to keep the cocktail frothy and chilled.
Can I Make This Decaffeinated?
Yes! Simply swap the espresso for decaf espresso or strong decaf coffee for the same flavor without the caffeine.
Is Espresso Good With Chocolate?
Definitely! The bold, slightly bitter espresso pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate, which is why this cocktail works so well (and why mocha is a common combination in coffee).
Tips For the Best Chocolate Espresso Martini
- I find the natural sweetness of the whiskey to be plenty in this drink. However, you can adjust the sweetness to taste by using more or less coffee liqueur, or adding some chocolate syrup or simple syrup depending on your taste
- This drink is fairly strong due to the ratio of alcohol to mixers. You can add extra espresso, or thin with half and half or cream if you’d like to reduce overall strength
- Chill your glasses for 10-15 minutes in the freezer to help keep your drink cold longer without the need for dilution from ice
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware – A classic martini or coupe glass works best, as it shows off the cocktail’s rich color and allows room for a foamy top and garnish
- Classic Garnish – Float 3 coffee beans on top to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness!
- Chocolate Accents – Drizzle chocolate sauce or syrup inside the glass before pouring or dust the foam lightly with cocoa powder for a luxe touch
- Seasonal Flair – For holidays or themed parties, add edible gold dust, chocolate shavings, or even a cinnamon stick for a warm twist!
Final Thoughts
This chocolate espresso martini recipe is perfect for the chocolate lover! It takes a classic cocktail and adds a decadent dessert twist that pairs together perfectly.
Plus, by using Crown Royal chocolate whisky, it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and has warm whiskey notes too! Perfect for a cozy night in and special occasions alike!
Looking for more great dessert cocktails? Check out all of my Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes for delicious options to use your bottle.
For other seasons, make sure to check out all of my Crown Peach Drinks and Blackberry Crown Recipes for inspiration!
Chocolate Espresso Martini (With Chocolate Crown Whisky)
Servings: 1
This chocolate espresso martini is a delicious dessert-like cocktail made with Crown Royal chocolate whisky for a smooth, warming flavor profile!
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- ½ ounce Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur)
- 1-2 ounces fresh espresso, cooled (or espresso cold brew; to taste)
Instructions
- Add the Crown chocolate whisky, espresso, and Kahlua to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes1 ½ ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky, ½ ounce Kahlua, 1-2 ounces fresh espresso, cooled
- Shake until chilled and frothy, usually about 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar). You may need to take the top off and bypass the strainer to get the foam to pour out (but remove the ice)
- Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and 3 coffee beans for a classic presentation if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of Crown chocolate whisky, you can use another brand of chocolate flavored whiskey (like Bird Dog), chocolate vodka (such as Van Gogh), or 1 ounce of a plain liquor and ½ ounce chocolate liqueur (such as crème de cacao or Godiva chocolate liqueur) for flavor
- Fresh cooled espresso is great, but I like to use cold brew so I don’t need to wait for it to cool. You can also use 1 Tbsp instant espresso, rehydrated and cooled
- To make a creamer drink, you can add up to 1 ounce of half and half or heavy cream (this will also help to cut the strength if desired). I don’t think any additional sweeteners are needed here
- 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
Serving: 117g | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 74mg | Sugar: 5.8g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 1.4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
