This velvet hammer drink is smooth like velvet, with a chocolate and citrus flavor profile. Enjoy this creamy cocktail either as a drink or as an adult milkshake, depending on your preference! The color is suitable for Valentine’s Day, but it’s equally perfect for Easter or the holidays.
If you love creamy drinks and the combination of chocolate and orange, then the velvet hammer is for you! It’s a great alternative to all the berry-based cocktails for Valentine’s Day, since it boasts a pale pink color making it perfectly suitable.
Of course, I also love it for the holidays since it reminds me of those whack and unwrap oranges, but it’s good for Easter and other candy-forward holidays too!
Best of all, you can make it with cream or with ice cream, turning it into a milkshake! Either way, it’s smooth and refreshing, but you can spin it based on preference and season.
Like most drinks, there are lots of different ingredients and variation options you can use to really make it your own, so I’ll be sure to give you all the details on that, too!
Ingredient List
1 ounce vodka (or cognac)
1 ounce creme de cacao
1 ounce triple sec (or another orange liquor)
2 ounces half and half (or cream)
½ ounce grenadine (optional)
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
This drink has a lot of variations to replace the vodka, including cognac, brandy, and even rum. Just use your favorite spirit, or feel free to omit it for a weaker drink
Any chocolate liquor can be swapped in for the creme de cacao, and substituting a coffee liquor such as Kahlua or Tia Maria is another common option (or you could do half chocolate half coffee if you like)!
For the triple sec, feel free to use another orange liquor, such as Cointreau or O3 (but it doesn’t have to be expensive to taste good in this drink)!
Ice cream variation: Swap 1-2 cups of vanilla ice cream in place of the half and half or cream, and blend in a blender (you can adjust the amount to taste or for desired consistency – ice cubes can also be added to thicken)
While grenadine is optional, you’ll need it to make the drink pink. Without it, it’s more orange or amber in color (so adjust based on season, occasion, and preference)
Step By Step Instructions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice
Shake until well blended and chilled, approximately 20-30 seconds
Strain into a glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of orange or chocolate shavings if desired, and enjoy
Milkshake Variation Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender, swapping 2 cups of ice cream in for the half and half or cream
Blend on medium (or a similar setting) until well mixed
Adjust consistency with more ice cream if needed (or add ice cubes to thicken, or a small amount of milk or cream to thin)
A velvet hammer drink consists of orange liquor like Cointreau, chocolate or coffee liquor, and cream. Typically, another liquor is added, with vodka and cognac being most common, but brandy and rum are other alternatives.
It dates back as far as the 1950’s, though it saw the most popularity in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, which is why there are so many variations for it. The name is from the cocktail being strong yet smooth, hard hitting with a gentle finish.
Can I Customize the Alcohol Content in the Velvet Hammer Drink Based on Personal Preferences?
Absolutely! You can add more cream or omit the vodka to create a lower alcohol content drink.
For a stronger drink, add more of any of the liquors, but keep the orange and coffee or chocolate in equal proportions for flavor.
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives?
The velvety texture in the velvet hammer drink is achieved by using half and half or heavy cream. If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, you can use options like coconut cream or almond milk for a different but still creamy texture.
Non-dairy coffee creamer would also be a good option, and will add sweetness as well. Use plain, vanilla, or chocolate flavor depending on preference.
What Type of Glassware Is Recommended for Serving the Velvet Hammer Drink?
The velvet hammer drink is traditionally served in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass.
However, a coupe, cognac glass, juice glass, or stemless wine glass are other good options. You could even do a milkshake glass if you are making the ice cream variation.
What Garnishes Complement the Velvet Hammer Drink and Add to Its Presentation?
Garnishes like a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or even a few coffee beans can complement the velvet hammer drink.
However, garnishes are completely optional, and the cocktail can be enjoyed without their presence as well.
What Occasions or Seasons Are Ideal for Serving the Velvet Hammer Drink?
The velvet hammer drink is versatile and suitable for various occasions. It’s often enjoyed as a dessert cocktail, making it perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or special celebrations.
Try it for Valentine’s Day or date night, Easter, or the holiday season.
Recipe Pro Tips
To adjust the strength of the drink, add more cream or omit the vodka for a weaker drink, or add more liquor to make it stronger. Keep the orange and chocolate liquors in proportion for the best flavor
Storage and Serving Tips
You may scale this recipe for parties and mix everything (excluding ice) ahead of time in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator, then give it a stir and pour into individual glasses with ice for serving
Glassware. The velvet hammer can be served in a wide variety of glasses. Rocks or old fashioned glasses are common, but coupe, stemless wine glasses, cognac glasses, or juice glasses are other good options. You can also serve it in a hollow chocolate bunny for Easter!
This velvet hammer drink lives up to its name with a creamy, smooth finish that hides the 3 different liquors within. If you love chocolate and orange flavor, then this is the perfect drink for you!
Of course, like most drinks, you can swap in a lot of different ingredients and make your own variations to suit your tastes. That includes turning this drink into a velvet hammer milkshake instead, by using vanilla ice cream in place of the cream.
It’s a perfect drink for Valentine’s Day or date night, since it pairs well with dessert. However, it’s equally good for Easter or the holiday season due to its flavor profile, or even in the summer as a frozen treat.
Make sure to try my Peanut Butter Whiskey Milkshake for another boozy shake option!
Velvet Hammer Drink (With Vodka)
This velvet hammer drink features vodka, along with chocolate and orange liquors for a dessert-like cocktail. The name comes from it being hard hitting with 3 types of alcohol, but smooth to drink.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice
1 Ounce vodka, 1 Ounce creme de cacao, 1 Ounce triple sec, 2 Ounces half and half, ½ Ounce grenadine, Ice cubes
Shake until well blended and chilled, approximately 20-30 seconds
Strain into a glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of orange or chocolate shavings if desired, and enjoy
Milkshake Variation Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender, swapping 2 cups of ice cream in for the half and half or cream
Blend on medium (or a similar setting) until well mixed
Adjust consistency with more ice cream if needed (or add ice cubes to thicken, or a small amount of milk or cream to thin)
Enjoy!
Notes
This drink has a lot of variations to replace the vodka, including cognac, brandy, and even rum. Just use your favorite spirit, or feel free to omit it for a weaker drink
Any chocolate liquor can be swapped in for the creme de cacao, and substituting a coffee liquor such as Kahlua or Tia Maria is another common option (or you could do half chocolate half coffee if you like)!
For the triple sec, feel free to use another orange liquor, such as Cointreau or O3 (but it doesn’t have to be expensive to taste good in this drink)!
Ice cream variation: Swap 1-2 cups of vanilla ice cream in place of the half and half or cream, and blend in a blender
While grenadine is optional, you’ll need it to make the drink pink. Without it, it’s more orange or amber in color (so adjust based on season, occasion, and preference)
You may scale this recipe for parties and mix everything (excluding ice) ahead of time in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator, then give it a stir and pour into individual glasses with ice for serving
The velvet hammer can be served in a wide variety of glasses. Rocks or old fashioned glasses are common, but coupe, stemless wine glasses, cognac glasses, or juice glasses are other good options. You can also serve it in a hollow chocolate bunny for Easter!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, whether you make it a drink or shake, any garnishes added, 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!
