30 Chocolate Cocktails You Need To Try At Least Once

For those who have a sweet tooth, there is a whole slew of delicious chocolate cocktails out there. Whether they include a dash of crème de cacao, a sprinkling of chocolate shavings, or a shot of chocolate whiskey, many of these mixed drinks will have that rich cocoa flavor mixed in somewhere. While some of the recipes are chocolatey takes on classic cocktails, like the martini and the mint julep, others are unique creations that almost qualify as desserts.

For drinkers who would rather go easy on the creamy, indulgent taste of chocolate in their after-dinner drink, but still want a hint of cocoa, there are also chocolate cocktail recipes that choose to highlight interesting citrus or berry notes in their flavor profile. Whether you prefer to drink a glorified spiked milkshake or a smoky cocoa concoction, one of these chocolate cocktails is sure to be perfect for your palate. 

This delicious, dessert-like martini takes just five minutes to whip up and is perfect for an after dinner drink. To balance out the sweetness of the chocolate, this particular recipe adds some spicy notes to create a perfect, complex flavor profile.

Unlike regular martinis, this chocolate martini recipe uses mescal as a rich, smoky base, plus a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up. If looking to add an extra fancy touch, rim the martini glass with a combination of cocoa powder and granulated sugar (use crème de cacao to make sure the mix adheres to the rim).

Add bourbon, créme de cacao, Frangelico liqueur and ice into a shaker, mix the ingredients well and strain them into a cocktail glass to make your own Bourbon Ball. The Frangelico adds a touch of hazelnut flavor that perfectly complements the cacao. To enhance the créme de cacao's flavor, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the cocktail for a tasty, aesthetically satisfying finish. 

Though anytime is a good time to drink a Bourbon Ball, it's a drink typically served on special occasions like holidays or other celebrations. If there is no Frangelico on hand, switch in another hazelnut liqueur like Bailey's Hazelnut Cream.

A lot of chocolate-infused cocktails are pretty retro, and the Grasshopper is no exception. Historians debate its origins, but it seems to have been crafted either in the early 1900s in New Orleans, or by Philip Guichet, Sr., the then-owner of New Orleans' Tujague's restaurant, in a cocktail competition in New York City. Regardless, it continues to be the signature cocktail at Tujague's, which currently has the honor of being the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. 

In addition to its sweet and minty taste, the identifying mark of a Grasshopper is its bright green color. The combination of crème de cacao, crème de menthe, and heavy cream creates a drink that's delicious, and low in alcohol, so it can be enjoyed as an after dinner drink.

For those who love the taste (but not texture) of milkshakes, and would love them more with a splash of alcohol, the Brandy Alexander may be the ideal chocolate cocktail. Mix in a generous pour of Cognac, dark crème de cacao, cream, and ice into a shaker. Be sure to shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, then strain and serve it in a cocktail glass. 

Since this drink tends to be on the boozier side, with the taste of alcohol expertly covered by the cacao and other ingredients, drink a Brandy Alexander responsibly. It can also be garnished with some grated nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor. 

For chocolate lovers, learning how to make a chocolate old fashioned is an absolute must, as this cocktail combines three types of chocolate to deliver a strong dose of a favorite dessert in drink form. The recipe includes a dash of chocolate bitters, crème de cacao, and a chocolate garnish of choice to top it all off. Some bartenders prefer a chocolate sprinkle rim, while others like to utilize a piece of chocolate candy instead.

This sweet twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail is smooth and velvety. To double down on the cocoa element, use a chocolate whiskey in the cocktail to round out the flavor.

Similar to the dessert of the same name, the Death by Chocolate cocktail boasts a rich, indulgent chocolate taste that stops just short of overpowering the palate. With a consistency more akin to a chocolate shake, the crushed ice in Death by Chocolate makes it an especially thick concoction.

To build this cocktail, blend vodka, crushed ice, Irish cream liqueur, crème de cacao, and three scoops of chocolate ice cream. As one could imagine, this alcoholic drink is as high in calories as it is rich in taste, so it's best consumed as a special treat.

Another milkshake-like cocktail worth considering is the Frozen Nutella Mudslide, which is as thick, creamy, and delicious as the name would suggest. The drink requires Nutella, milk, vanilla ice cream, vodka, Irish cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, and ice cubes, all combined into an amazing combo. 

They key to creating a nice drizzle for the drink is to whisk the Nutella and milk together well, ensuring they are at the right temperatures for blending. Microwave a little milk for no more than 30 seconds, then whisk in the Nutella until the combination thickens and takes on a dark chocolate color.

For chocolate lovers who feel the flavors of a Death By Chocolate cocktail (or even a chocolate martini) may be overwhelming, the white chocolate martini is an equally delicious yet more subtle and smoother alternative. One of the best tips for serving this cocktail is to place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, until it is thoroughly chilled. 

Though the martini can be personalized by making it with a flavored vodka of choice, most recipes call for vanilla vodka. Mix it with white chocolate liqueur, half-and-half, crème de cacao, and of course ice, in order to make this strong yet smooth cocktail.

Named after the Bay Hill Club and Lounge in Orlando, Florida — owned by Arnold Palmer of golf/beverage fame — the Bay Hill Hummer was the original boozy milkshake of the 1960s. To make the drink, combine brandy, vodka, dark crème de cacao, and a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream. Use a blender to mix them all together in order to create an extra smooth  beverage.

As with most chocolate drinks, the relatively sweet flavor hides a relatively high alcohol content, so drink responsibly. Something the flavor definitely won't hide is the equally high calorie content, as the Bay Hill Hummer clocks in at 779 calories per drink.

Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate may seem like an oxymoron, but thanks to ingredients like cinnamon and cayenne, the warm, spicy accents of the cocktail come through, even in its frozen version. This drink utilizes both reposado tequila and Grand Marnier, so it tends to be on the strong side.

The key to making it well is to freeze the mixture after preparing it. Some people prefer to use ice cube trays to freeze the mixture in chunks, which can then be easily blended into a slushie. Others use a baking dish; however, this method requires stirring the cocktail approximately every half hour while refrigerated to achieve a granita-like texture.

The Chocolate Blitzen is one of the few recipes that uses actual melted chocolate in addition to chocolate liqueur or chocolate garnishes. That also puts it among one of the richest chocolate cocktails out there. 

Before even starting to mix the ingredients, melt two ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, dip the martini glass into the liquid, and then rim it with chocolate sprinkles. Make sure to chill the glass while preparing the rest of the mixture. After that, throw together some chocolate ice cream, vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and dark crème de cacao in a blender and it will be ready to go.

Spicy flavors and chocolate go surprisingly well together. Specifically, chiles and chocolate are often paired because of their complementary flavors, as the acidity of the chili and the rich, earthy flavor of the chocolate balance each other out. This may not be surprising, as they are both derived from tropical plants originating in the Americas. 

The chocolate chili martini itself has just two ingredients: chocolate chili liqueur and vodka. The best part of this cocktail to play around with is what to use on the rim. Some people dip the rim in cayenne pepper, others cocoa, and still others a combination of the two, along with some sugar.

One of the most classic cocktails of the south, made famous as the drink of the Kentucky Derby, now comes in a chocolate version. Try putting together a Chocolate Mint Julep with bourbon, chocolate whiskey, chocolate bitters, and water, to enjoy a sweet yet minty-flavored drink.

Pick a bourbon that not only tastes good, but mixes will with chocolate on the palate. Always remember to serve the drink in a metal cup in order to keep it nice and chilled, as mint juleps were originally intended to provide a nice buzz while also being incredibly refreshing on a hot, humid, southern summer day.

All that is needed is eggnog, milk, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup to make a Chocolate Eggnog during the holiday season and surprise guests with something a little different. Pick up a ready-made eggnog at the local supermarket, as most places will start selling them in wintertime, or whip one up at home.

There are slight variations on eggnog, but one of the most delicious eggnog recipes calls for eggs, milk, heavy cream, rum, sugar, and nutmeg. The key to successfully making the eggnog is to temper the eggs by very slowly adding the milk and cream to them, and whisking them consistently so they don't start turning solid before finished.

The orange undertones of the French cognac Grand Marnier help complement the sweet, rich flavor of the chocolate used in this Spiced Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate recipe. Another ideal winter cocktail to have handy, this spiked hot chocolate is great for a dinner party or just a cozy night in during cold weather.

Put milk, chocolate, chile pepper, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, allspice, peppercorns, and cayenne in a small saucepan. After letting the mixture simmer for five minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the flavors to infuse, and then return the pan to the stove again to warm it up. Strain everything and mix it up with the Grand Marnier.

Named after the indulgent, chocolate-and-cherry-flavored dessert that shares a lot of ingredients with this drink, the Black Forest Gateau Cocktail is meant to be enjoyed after a meal. The original recipe for this drink, conceived in London's Hush restaurant, leaves out the deep chocolate and cherry flavors. Add them back in by using Kirschwasser eau-de-vie (which adds a note of cherry) and a chocolate liqueur.

As a final finishing touch, it helps to float the cream on top of this decadent concoction. Drink responsibly, as the alcohol content of this cocktail is nearly equivalent to two full drinks.

As countless peanut butter cups have proven time and again, peanut butter and chocolate is always a winning combination. But did you ever think of mixing these two flavors in a cocktail? Well, there's an incredibly easy, straightforward recipe that does just that.

First off, pick up some peanut butter whiskey, like Skrewball, Sheep Dog, or Ole Smokey. Combine the whiskey and a chocolate liqueur of choice in a three to one ratio; for example, three ounces of whiskey and one ounce of liqueur. Add a bit of milk, a dash of salt, and the end result is a smooth Peanut Butter Cup Cocktail.

Though the Golden Cadillac contains both white crème de cacao liqueur and Galliano L'Autentico liqueur, it has a surprisingly low alcohol content, clocking in at just 13%. This makes it a perfect choice for a smooth nightcap that won't result in a headache in the morning.

The drink's unique name reflects its gold color. Supposedly, the first Golden Cadillac was created by California bartender Frank Cline in 1952. A happy, newly engaged couple wandered into his bar and asked him to make them something special. Frank put together a signature dessert drink and the couple named it after their new Cadillac.

To make a Chocolate White Russian, simply pour the ingredients of a classic White Russian over ice drizzled with chocolate syrup. To add an extra burst of flavor, garnish with a small chocolate bar or other piece of chocolate.

Be warned that the drink's smooth, delicious flavor disguises both its high alcohol content and the amount of calories packed into this cocktail, thanks mostly to all that cream. The chocolate flavor remains relatively subtle, which is perfect for drinkers who don't want to overindulge and drink something that is akin to dessert in a cocktail glass.

The Peppermint Patty is one of those cocktails where it really pays to use a proper garnish — in this case, a Peppermint Patty candy — to help bring out the drink's special chocolate and peppermint flavor combination.

One way to make this drink is to combine chocolate vodka, cream liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. Alternatively, use crème de cacao and either Irish cream or crème de menthe instead of the original vodka and liqueur combination. This makes the Peppermint Patty a relatively easy drink to make at home with whatever happens to be kicking around the bar. The resulting drink may be white or chocolate-like in color, depending on the ingredients.

Instead of making it to order every time, prepare several servings of this Chocolate Manhattan recipe and keep it chilled in the freezer whenever a unique cocktail is needed for guests — or an evening drink is in order for yourself. After all, there are few elixirs that can similarly fuel an evening at the intersections of frivolity, sweetness and innovation.

There are plenty of variations on the Chocolate Manhattan, but here's one of the best. Mix sweet vermouth, bourbon, crème de cacao, just a few dashes of chocolate bitters and a dash of firewater bitters. Finish the cocktail off by sprinkling cocoa powder on the rim of the glass.

Combine gin, crème de cacao, and half-and-half in a shaker with ice to make this cocktail. Some people choose to add pasteurized egg whites; though optional, it adds a smooth texture and frothiness to the drink that greatly amplifies the flavor and sipping experience. If looking to add the egg whites, be sure to mix the ingredients in the shaker thoroughly, so as to combine everything. 

The Alexander cocktail was a precursor to the Brandy Alexander, before the latter eclipsed the former in popularity and the Alexander cocktail was all but forgotten. Though the exact origins of the drink remain unknown, it was already being served in bars by 1915.

The Chocolate Guinness Float recipe is traditionally made with Guinness beer, as the name suggests; in a pinch, however, any other stout could be substituted. This mixed drink falls more into the category of a dessert beverage, and it absolutely must be made fresh due to the use of chocolate ice cream in the recipe.

Put two scoops of that ice cream in a glass, pour chocolate syrup and extract on top of it (skip the extract to slightly lessen the drink's chocolate intensity), and then pour Guinness in until the glass is topped off. The best way to serve this cocktail, of course, is in a traditional Guinness glass.

Create a spiked chocolate milk at home by whipping up the easy yet delicious Lumumba cocktail, made with one part brandy to ten parts chilled chocolate milk. A delicious hot version of the drink can also be made easily, simply substituting hot chocolate or cacao instead of chocolate milk.

If an extra chocolate nuance is desired, sprinkle in a dash of cocoa powder. The Lumumba cocktail is great to serve at celebrations, and unlike other indulgent chocolate cocktails, is relatively light and appreciated by everyone. Even those who don't particularly like desserts or chocolate should appreciate a good Lumumba.

The key to making a great Cocoa À Trois is to carefully select the vodka that will be paired with the drink's chocolate flavors. Classic potato-based vodkas might not work the best, as they typically mix better with strong flavors like various fruit juices.

Las Vegas bartender Tony Abou-Ganim, the man who came up with this particular cocktail in the first place, recommends a wheat-based or corn-based vodka. If it happens to have chocolate or vanilla notes, that would be ideal. The drink contains three forms of chocolate (hence the name of the drink): liqueur, powder, and semisweet chocolate shavings.

Try a favorite childhood treat in cocktail form with the Snickers Martini Cocktail. In order to make this drink well, be sure to shake the mix of ingredients vigorously in order to completely blend in the peanut butter used in the recipe. The resulting drink should have a completely smooth texture.

To significantly up the ante, use a small piece of an actual Snickers bar as garnish, wedging it on the rim of the glass to provide a little dessert with the drink. Giving a nod to the origins of this particular cocktail, it might just feel like Halloween night for grown-ups.

While many chocolate cocktails have a creamy component or texture, which isn't everyone's cup of tea, here's a beverage that steers clear of it. For those who like dark, tropical flavors in their cocktails, and would prefer to stay away from overly sweet flavors, the Azteca drink is worth trying. It blends Kahlua with white tequila, orange curacao, and white crème de cacao.

Serve the Azteca in a martini glass with an orange twist garnish. The cocktail can be consumed on its own, or paired with food, ideally accompanying a meal that has citrus flavors of its own.

The Chocolate Rye takes a lot of patience to make, as creating the infused rye that forms its base means swirling a whole bunch of ingredients together, sealing them in an airtight container, then leaving it on the counter for two days. During those two days, one must occasionally shake the mixture to make sure everything is properly blending together.

After this first part of the cocktail mix has been completed, stir the infused rye together with sherry, lemon juice, cherry syrup, and a whole lot of ice to blend and chill the drink. The chocolate taste is derived from the cacao nibs used in the infused rye mixture.

One of the best things about this uniquely red beverage is that batches can be made up and stored in the fridge for whenever visitors might stop by, keeping a delicious aperitif at the ready without any need to whip it up in the moment.

The  Robin's Nest cocktail may not look like it has any chocolate at all, but it's made with white crème de cacao. Combine one part white crème de cacao with two parts vodka and two parts cranberry juice to create a cocktail that can be paired with dessert, or on its own after dinner.

A very close cousin of the Brandy Alexander, the Panama cocktail uses white crème de cacao instead of dark crème de cacao to complement its cognac base. Like the Alexander line of drinks, the Panama cocktail was served in bars throughout the U.S. in the beginning of the 20th century, but while the Brandy Alexander has only grown more ubiquitous, the Panama's popularity has waned over time.

For those who prefer a lighter white chocolate taste instead of the Brandy's traditional flavor, a Panama may be the perfect solution. Sprinkle a little nutmeg on it to accentuate the drink's chocolate flavor.