For a chocoholic like me, it’s hard to resist the intoxicating come-hither call of chocolate. While I prefer the darkest of chocolates, any style of chocolate will do in a pinch. I often add cocoa powder as a secret ingredient in favorite recipes so I can enjoy it in my meals. As many discovered, it is also great in drinks beyond the hot (or drinking) chocolate that we love.
With Valentine’s day and chocolate celebrations upon us it’s time to whip up a few delicious and lovely chocolate concoctions for your valentine starting with a not-so-traditional mug of hot cocoa.
Hot Chocolate Martini
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
1/2 oz. Coffee liqueur or Espresso-infused vodka
Hot chocolate
Preparation:
Pour the liqueurs into a mug or Irish coffee glass.
Fill with hot chocolate.
Stir well.
Optionally, top with whipped cream and a Hershey’s Kiss. Yummy on a cold evening.
Brandy Alexander
An old favorite, the Brandy Alexander is a luxurious, creamy cocktail that was incredibly popular in the 20th century. The cream and creme de cacao are a perfect pairing for the rich taste of a decent brandy, particularly on cold winter nights. The Brandy Alexander is also a luscious after-dinner drink that pairs well with chocolate desserts—and who doesn’t love chocolate?
Ingredients:
1 oz. .S. or V.S.O.P Brandy
1 oz. Dark Crème de Cacao
1 oz. Cream (preferably regular cream or half & half)
Preparation:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg.
A hint of warning: The Brandy Alexander may look all nice and innocent, but considering 80-proof Brandy and the average ABV of Crème de Cacao, this drink is around 19 percent ABV (38 proof)
Chocolate & Orange Martini
I love chocolate-covered orange peel and orange-infused chocolate, it’s like a combination of two favorite good-for-you things. This may not be your average chocolate martini, but it is delicious, fun and the orange is delightful (and you get your vitamin C). This Martini relies on just a touch of orange to accent the chocolate. The other unique thing about this cocktail is that it uses a melted chocolate rim. This version is a nice homemade touch and is fun for a party or when you already have chocolate in a double boiler. You can also melt the chocolate in a microwave.
Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. White Crème de Cacao
Dash of​ Orange liqueur
Preparation:
Shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into the prepared glass.
To Make the Chocolate Rim:
Place chunks of chocolate into a heat-safe bowl.
Place this bowl over a pot of water.
Heat and simmer the water until the chocolate is completely melted.
Pour the melted chocolate onto a plate and dip the rim of the cocktail glass into the chocolate.
Stand the glass upright.
Allow the chocolate to set.
Chill the glass.
You’re now ready for some deliciousness.
Silk Stocking
The Silk Stocking was a popular dessert martini for those romantic occasions. If you love fruity and creamy cocktails, this is for you. It is creamy with the sweet darkness of Chambord backed by Tequila (yes, you read that right, Tequila) and a bit of chocolate to make it interesting and undoubtedly delicious.
Ingredients:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 
1 1/2 oz. Reposado Tequila
1/2 oz. Chambord
1/2 oz. Crème de Cacao
1/2 oz. Cream
Preparation:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Chocolate Strawberry Martini
Okay, we can’t leave out the old tried and true. Chocolate-covered strawberries just call out for their own personal cocktail and here it is—super smooth super rich and super tasting.
Ingredients:
3 Strawberries, sliced
1 oz. Milk
4 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
2 oz. Godiva Original Chocolate Liqueur
Glass: Oversized Martini
Preparation:
In a shaker, muddle the strawberries and milk. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake, and fine strain into an oversized Martini glass.
With tasty cocktails like these, who wouldn’t want to be your Valentine?