Chocolate Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Have your next cocktail and dessert together with the decadent and delectable Chocolate Martini.

1956 saw the release of the sweeping romantic western, Giant. Nominated for ten Academy Awards and winning for Best Director, the Texas-set historical epic has since cemented its place in cinema history, featuring performances from legendary Hollywood icons Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and—in his final role—James Dean. Dean is mesmerizing, and the scene where his character Jett Rink strikes oil is a classic one, a highlight of the film. 

So what does the movie Giant have to do with tonight’s cocktail, the Chocolate Martini? According to legend, while shooting in Marfa, Texas 70 years ago in 1955, the film’s two stars, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor, invented the dessert-like beverage. Details aren’t exactly abundant, but the story goes that one evening the two best friends were quite bored and decided to make a drink that combined their love of chocolate and vodka martinis. The result was the Chocolate Martini, but I’m surprised nobody has nicknamed it a Choc Rock Taylor ‘Tini yet. Can I coin that? 

The next time you treat yourself to this evening’s creamy and chocolaty concoction, raise your glass in honor of one of cinema’s greatest friendships, one that may have been the reason for the very drink you hold in your hand.

How To Get A Perfect Chocolate Swirl?

Presentation is very important when making this cocktail, even if it’s just for yourself. It’s a Hollywood creation, after all, so you need to get the look just right. To get a perfect chocolate sauce swirl on your martini glass, you need to hold it at an angle, tilted toward yourself, and turn it while you drizzle. If you pour your chocolate straight down the glass it will puddle, not swirl.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Chocolate Martini?

For this cocktail, I prefer an unflavored Polish rye vodka, such as Chopin or Belvedere. This will allow all of that chocolate in your drink to do its job, without any competition from the vodka. And chill your vodka in the fridge or even the freezer for this recipe, as you’ll want your cocktail to be very cold.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

When imbibing any martini or martini-style tipples, a chilled martini glass is the traditional and elegant way to go. A coupe will work too. After you’ve garnished the rim with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, and your drink is poured in, make sure you always hold it by the stem, so that your hands don’t warm your cocktail up.

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE THE VODKA IN THIS COCKTAIL WITH ANOTHER SPIRIT?

I’ve found that unflavored vodka works best in this recipe. Other spirits, like a London Dry gin, felt like it floated on top of the other flavors and never quite melded with the sweetness of the chocolate and creamy notes from the Baileys. Definitely stick with vodka.

Other Martini-Styled Cocktails Worth Trying

Do you also have a love for sweets? Those after-dinner treats that have you finishing all of your vegetables without being asked? Do you love martinis, too? Of course, you do. And Twist & Toast has a fine array of dessert-like ‘Tini-style cocktails that will satisfy your sweet tooth and hit you with a nice, boozy bite. Try some of these out to get your evening started.

• Sugar Cookie Martini – Have your next snack in a glass with this tasty sipper. 
• Key Lime Martini – Tastes just like a slice of classic Key Lime Pie. 
• Pumpkin Espresso Martini – When the leaves start falling from the trees, it’s time to warm up with a few of these. ( Hey, that rhymed! )
• Christmas Martini – It’s a proven fact that Santa prefers a glass of this cocktail over milk.