What’s better in the winter than a cup of warm cocoa? Why, this hot chocolate martini of course! Take all the flavors of cocoa you love and turn it into an adult beverage with the addition of a few other ingredients. It may be a cold drink, but it gives you a warm, snuggly feeling!
With just 5 ingredients and a few minutes to throw together, this hot chocolate martini is a quick and easy cocktail. I enjoy it all throughout the winter because it reminds me of the classic warm beverage, but in an adult version!
Just like regular hot chocolate, there are also a lot of different flavor variations you can try! I’m actually making a salted caramel hot chocolate martini, but I’ll give you some other ideas as well.
Note that, despite the name, this is a cold cocktail like a traditional martini. However, if you’re looking for a hot drink instead, make sure to check out my Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate for a tasty heated option!
Ingredients List
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1 ounce Bailey’s
1 ounce creme de cacao
3 ounces prepared hot chocolate, cooled
3-4 mini marshmallows
Flavor Variations
Raspberry. For a raspberry hot chocolate martini, use plain or raspberry vodka, Bailey’s original or chocolate flavor, creme de cassis or cacao, and plain or raspberry flavored hot chocolate
Salted Caramel. Use salted caramel Bailey’s and salted caramel flavor hot chocolate (such as Swiss Miss). The rest of the recipe remains the same
Peppermint. For a peppermint hot chocolate martini, use mint vodka or substitute peppermint schnapps, use plain or mint hot chocolate, and use original, chocolate, or vanilla mint shake Bailey’s. Garish with a crushed candy cane rim if desired
Vanilla. Use vanilla vodka, white chocolate liquor in place of the creme de cacao, vanilla flavored hot chocolate, and Bailey’s original or vanilla cinnamon flavor
Frozen. Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and pulse until a slushy consistency forms for a frozen hot chocolate martini
For any other flavor combination, just swap in variations that suit the flavor profile you’re trying to achieve! There are so many great options!
Step By Step Instructions
Add all ingredients except the marshmallows to a shaker, along with a few ice cubes. If you don’t have a shaker, use a mason jar or similar container with a lid
Shake for 30 seconds until well chilled, and then strain into a martini glass
What Variations Can I Try in Hot Chocolate Martinis?
There are various ways to customize hot chocolate martinis, such as adding flavored liqueurs or hot chocolates, such as mint, raspberry, or hazelnut.
Experiment with different types of chocolate, from dark to white, for unique taste profiles.
Are There Non-Alcoholic Versions of Hot Chocolate Martinis?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic mocktail version, you can omit the alcoholic components and use chocolate milk or regular milk instead of liqueurs and spirits.
Feel free to add flavored syrups as well, and add fun garnishes like chocolate shavings, crushed peppermints, or other complimentary items based on your chosen flavors.
Are There Dairy-Free Options for Hot Chocolate Martinis?
Yes, though it may require slightly more work. Most powdered hot chocolate mixes contain milk, so you would need to make homemade using a non-dairy alternative such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Swap the Bailey’s for the non-dairy Bailey’s variety that uses almond milk as well.
What’s the Ideal Way to Garnish a Hot Chocolate Martini?
Garnish ideas include whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate drizzle, or a marshmallow skewer.
For other flavor variations, you could add items like a raspberry skewer, vanilla pod, cinnamon stick, or candy canes.
Can I Make Hot Chocolate Martinis in Advance for a Party?
Yes, you can prepare a large batch in advance. Combine all the ingredients (except garnishes) in a pitcher or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.
Shake or stir well before serving and garnish individual glasses.
Storage and Serving Pro Tips
Glassware. Traditionally, this recipe is served in a regular or stemless martini glass. You could also use a cosmopolitan glass, champagne coupe, or even a wine glass in a pinch!
Feel free to brulee your marshmallows for a roasted touch. You can do this with a brulee torch, over a flame on the stove, or even with a stick lighter. Just use caution as the sugar burns quickly!
If you want to make your drink even fancier, other garnish options include drizzling chocolate syrup in the glass, rimming with chocolate syrup and colored sugar, crushed cookies or candies, or skewers of fruit, marshmallows, or a cinnamon stick to compliment your flavors
This recipe scales well for parties, so feel free to make a large batch in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. Add garnishes to individual glasses when serving
For a weaker drink, add more hot chocolate, or thin a bit with half and half or cream
While this may be a cold cocktail, this hot chocolate martini will warm you up with the sweet, decadent vibes of winter! It’s a simple drink with just 5 ingredients and a few minutes needed to throw it together.
Whether you choose to serve it up for Christmas, New Year’s, or any other time you’re entertaining during the winter, it’s the perfect choice to celebrate the season. Make the kids the classic, while the adults get to enjoy this boozy equivalent of a favorite winter drink!
Customize it any way you like, from classic chocolate flavor to unique twists like salted caramel, raspberry, vanilla, and more!
Easy Hot Chocolate Martini (Salted Caramel)
This hot chocolate martini is a cold cocktail that will still warm you up with its sweet flavors. Just 5 ingredients and a few minutes is all you need to throw it together for winter sipping!
1Ouncevanilla vodka(such as Smirnoff, Stoli, or Absolut)
1Ounce Bailey's(I use salted caramel flavor)
1Ouncecrème de cacao
3Ouncesprepared hot chocolate, cooled(I use Swiss Miss salted caramel flavor)
4Minimarshmallows
Ice cubes
Instructions
Add all ingredients except the marshmallows to a shaker, along with a few ice cubes. If you don’t have a shaker, use a mason jar or similar container with a lid
1 Ounce vanilla vodka, 1 Ounce Bailey's, 1 Ounce crème de cacao, 3 Ounces prepared hot chocolate, cooled, Ice cubes
Shake for 30 seconds until well chilled, and then strain into a martini glass
Top with the mini marshmallows and enjoy
4 Mini marshmallows
Notes
See my variations section above for other flavors you can try with this recipe!
Feel free to brulee your marshmallows for a roasted touch. You can do this with a brulee torch, over a flame on the stove, or even with a stick lighter. Just use caution as the sugar burns quickly!
Alternative garnish options include drizzling chocolate syrup in the glass, rimming with chocolate syrup and colored sugar, crushed cookies or candies, or skewers of fruit, marshmallows, or a cinnamon stick to compliment your flavors
This recipe scales well for parties, so feel free to make a large batch in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. Add garnishes to individual glasses when serving
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes, 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!
