Whether you’re planning a delicious get-together or just treating yourself, nothing feels quite as decadent as a chocolate martini or mocktail. With HERSHEY’S Syrups, candies, and cocoa in the mix, we have some irresistible drink recipes that’ll taste like dessert in your glass.
Chocolate Martini and Cocktail Ingredients
A perfect chocolate adult beverage starts with a few key ingredients, but it’s the extras that will make it unforgettably tasty. From rich chocolate liqueurs to creative candy garnishes, here’s what you’ll need to get shaking.
Essential Spirits and Liqueurs
- Vodka – Plain works well, but chocolate, vanilla, espresso or caramel flavors add a little bit of extra indulgence.
- Chocolate liqueur – Look for dark crème de cacao, white crème de cacao, or your favorite cocoa-forward spirit.
- Boosters – While these are optional, you could add Irish cream liqueur for creaminess, coffee liqueur for mocha vibes, or peppermint schnapps for holiday spin.
Tip:
Going spirit free? For a chocolate martini mocktail, swap the alcohol for milk (dairy or non-dairy).
Syrups & Garnishes
Every chocolate cocktail gets better with a sweet touch of HERSHEY’S. Whether it’s a syrup swirl, a candy-coated rim, or a melty surprise at the bottom of the glass, don’t skip the garnishes. Here are some ideas:
Bar Tools
Mixing up drinks is much easier with the right gear:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Fine mesh strainer
- Chilled cocktail glass
Classic HERSHEY’S Chocolate Martini
This timeless favorite layers rich chocolate flavor with a creamy finish. Shake the ingredients over ice until frothy and then garnish with a sugary cocoa rim and HERSHEY’S MINI KISSES. It’s a simple yet indulgent beverage that sets the standard for dessert cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup (for rim)
- ½ tsp HERSHEY’S Cocoa (for rim)
- ½ tsp granulated sugar (for rim)
- 1-½ ounces chocolate liqueur
- 1-½ ounces crème de cacao
- ½ ounce chocolate vodka
- 1 ounce HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup
- 2-½ ounces half and half
- Ice
- HERSHEY’S MINI KISSES Milk Chocolate Chips (for garnish)
REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Martini
Sweet, peanut-buttery and chocolatey — this drink is inspired by the ultimate candy duo: REESE’S. Shake it up over ice and garnish with a chocolate syrup and REESE’S Cup rim for a cocktail that doubles as dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsps HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup plus additional for rim
- 4 Tbsps crème de cacao
- 4 Tbsps peanut butter whiskey
- 5 Tbsps half and half
- 1 REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish
- Ice
S’mores-tini
Capture that campfire nostalgia in a glass. Start by shaking up vodka, half and half and chocolate syrup over ice. Then dress it up with marshmallows, a graham cracker rim and HERSHEY’S Candy Bar pieces for a S’mores martini that’s cozy, creamy and totally captivating.
Ingredients
- 1 HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55 oz), divided
- 3 to 5 miniature marshmallows
- 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tsps marshmallow fluff
- 2 ounces vodka (plain, marshmallow, vanilla or whipped cream-flavored vodka, 4 Tbsps)
- 1-½ ounces half and half (3 Tbsps)
- 1 ounce HERSHEY’S Syrup (2 Tbsps)
- Ice
Chocolate Martini Mocktail (non-alcoholic)
Get all the decadence and none of the spirits in a grown-up version of chocolate milk. This mocktail blends rich chocolate syrup with half and half for a creamy treat anyone can enjoy. Just shake until it’s frothy and cold, and then serve in a glass rimmed with HERSHEY’S Bar shavings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsps HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup plus additional for rim
- ½ HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Candy Bar (1.55 oz), grated
- ½ cup half and half
- Ice
REESE’S Martini Mocktail (non-alcoholic)
Indulge in chocolate-peanut butter bliss with this non-alcoholic twist on a dessert cocktail. Milk, cream, chocolate syrup, peanut butter and a splash of vanilla are blended to perfection and served in a martini glass rimmed with chopped REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup plus
- 1 tsp for rim
- ¼ cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, finely chopped
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Martini
From garnishing to glass prep and party batching, these handy techniques will help you master the chocolate cocktail experience like a pro bartender.
How to Decorate a Glass with Syrup
A swirl of syrup is more than a garnish — it’s part of the whole flavor experience. Here’s how to make your glass look picture-perfect:
- Choose your syrup. HERSHEY’S Chocolate, Caramel and SPECIAL DARK Syrups are all tasty choices.
- Use a drizzle technique. Hold the glass at a tilt and slowly rotate it while squeezing syrup in a thin stream inside the rim.
- Let it set. Put the glass in the fridge or freezer for 5–10 minutes to let the syrup set for a neater look.
How to Rim a Cocktail Glass
A dressed rim adds tons of fun, flavor and flair. Try cocoa powder, sugar, sprinkles or even crushed REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, toffee bits or graham crackers.
- Wet the rim. Dip the edge of the glass in chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff or honey.
- Add your coating. Spread your rim mix on a small plate and rotate the wet rim into it for full coverage.
- Chill to set. Freeze the glass for a few minutes before pouring your cocktail into it.
How to Chill a Martini Glass
A cold glass keeps your martini crisp and prevents dilution. Two easy methods:
- Freezer method: Put the glass in the freezer 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Ice water method: Fill the glass with ice and a splash of water for 3–5 minutes while you’re prepping the rest of the ingredients. Then dump and dry before pouring. This works great when you’re short on freezer space!
How to Batch Bartend for a Party
Serving a crowd? Batch bartending lets you pre-mix cocktails ahead of time, so you can enjoy the party, too.
- Multiply your recipe. Use a large pitcher or bottle to mix 4–8 servings at once.
- Leave out dairy (if needed). If you’re prepping hours in advance, wait to add half & half or cream until just before shaking and serving.
- Shake to serve. Add ice and shake individual servings as guests arrive for that perfect froth.
Tip:
Set up a DIY garnish bar with HERSHEY’S syrups, HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups and crushed toppings so guests can rim and decorate their own drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A chocolate martini typically features vodka, chocolate liqueur and either cream or syrup for richness. Garnishes like cocoa powder or chocolate candy add the finishing touches.
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Go ahead and shake it! A cocktail shaker with ice helps blend and chill the ingredients, creating that perfectly frothy, smooth finish.
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Depending on your pour, a chocolate martini can range from 15–30% ABV. Most recipes use around 2–3 ounces of alcohol total, balanced by mixers like syrup or cream.
