Meet your new dream dessert cocktail, fellow chocolate lovers -- this Baileys chocolate martini! Made with everyone's favorite Irish cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and vodka, every sip of this cocktail is rich, decadent and perfectly creamy. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day or just need a sweet after-dinner drink to pair with dessert, this Baileys martini should be on your menu.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Satisfies your sweet tooth: Nothing makes a meal feel extra special than ending it with a dessert and cocktail pairing. Both Irish cream and chocolate liqueur make for a cocktail that's perfect for the occasion.
But don't worry -- it's not overly cloying. Thanks to the vodka, we get a nicely balanced Baileys chocolate martini.
No fancy mixing skills required: New to home bartending? No problem! This is one easy chocolate martini recipe for bartenders of all skills, but it sure does taste fancy.
Only calls for three ingredients: That's right! No big ingredient list here. All we need is Baileys Irish Cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and your favorite vodka.
Bonus: If you'd love another dessert cocktail option, try my chocolate-raspberry martini, peanut butter old fashioned or Baileys Irish coffee martini!
Ingredients
Baileys Irish Cream: When it comes to Irish cream, Baileys is the most well-known brand, and I highly recommend it. That said, some people love making their own homemade Irish cream, so if that's what you have on hand, feel free to use that. You can't go wrong either way.
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur: These days, you should be able to find the Godiva brand at any well-stocked liquor store. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur comes in three varieties: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. I picked up the milk chocolate, but feel free to try one of the other varieties if you prefer those flavors.
Optional ingredients: Giving the glass a fancy garnish is not required, but it does add a beautiful touch and extra dose of chocolate. And, hey, we're clearly chocolate lovers here, right? For this, we need some chocolate syrup and a chocolate bar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: While this step is optional, let's start by making our chocolate-covered rim. We pour some chocolate sauce onto a small plate and then swirl the rim in the sauce (photo 1).
Then, we swirl the rim in some grated chocolate (photo 2).
Step 2: Now we pour in the Baileys, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and vodka and add a handful of ice (photo 3).
Step 3: We put on the cocktail shaker top and vigorously shake. Anywhere from 15-30 seconds will do (photo 4).
Step 4: From here, we pour our cocktail into the martini glass (photo 5). For an extra chocolatey touch, feel free to sprinkle some grated chocolate on top of the drink.
And just like that, you have the perfect dessert martini. Now enjoy every luscious sip of this Baileys chocolate martini!
Recipe FAQs
While both make fabulous dessert cocktails, the two liqueurs are different. Creme de cacao is still a sweet chocolate liqueur, but it also shows off vanilla notes. However, Godiva chocolate liqueur incorporates loads of chocolate with a creamy base for the most luscious texture -- think liquid chocolate here.
This cocktail was tested with chocolate liqueur, so that's what I recommend. But if you substitute creme de cacao, let me know how it goes!
There are two popular methods for chilling cocktail glasses -- one takes a little planning while the other you can take care of when mixing. If you can plan ahead, simply place the cocktail glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes. For the other method, fill the serving glass with cold ice water while mixing. Right before serving, stir the ice water for about 30 seconds and then dump the water and ice. Now you have a chilled glass.
To grate the chocolate, simply run a piece of chocolate along a cheese grater or microplane grater. Use the small holes for a finer grated chocolate or the larger holes for slightly bigger pieces. I used the large holes for these photos.
Expert Tips
- This may be a chocolate martini, but be aware that it packs a punch! Every ingredient is a liquor or liqueur so sip slowly.
- For the proper shaking technique, make sure you use two hands. This helps give you enough force to agitate the mixture.
- Before garnishing the martini glasses, I recommend chilling them first, especially since this Baileys martini is served without ice.
- For easy entertaining, you can mix these Irish cream martinis ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
- Don't have a cocktail shaker? No problem. You can use a mason jar with a solid lid instead.
- Vodka not your thing? Feel free to experiment. Rum or bourbon would be great!
Perfect Pairing
Get excited -- I have some excellent pairings for this Baileys chocolate martini! The obvious choice is my luscious Baileys mousse for the perfect mirroring of flavors. You can't go wrong with my Baileys ice cream either.
Of course, a rich chocolate cake also tastes wonderful with this drink, so try my Irish whiskey chocolate cake on the side. I even like to fill this cake with the aforementioned Baileys mousse to make it extra special, and then you get the best of both worlds. This decadent chocolate tiramisu or turtle pie also are fabulous options.
For the perfect after-dinner drink, I hope you make this Baileys chocolate martini. You will savor every decadent sip.
Cheers!
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📖 Recipe
Baileys Chocolate Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Martini glass
Ingredients
- Chocolate sauce for garnish, optional
- Grated chocolate for garnish, optional
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 ounces chocolate liqueur not creme de cao
- 1 ounce vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- If you'd like a chocolate-covered rim, pour the chocolate syrup onto a small plate and the grated chocolate on a separate small plate. Swirl the rim of the martini glass in the chocolate syrup and then swirl in the grated chocolate. Set aside.
- Add the Baileys, chocolate liqueur, vodka and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Put on the top and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
- Strained into a chilled martini glass. If desired, sprinkle additional grated chocolate on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the proper shaking technique, make sure you use two hands. This helps give you enough force to agitate the mixture.
- Before garnishing the martini glasses, I recommend chilling them first, especially since this Baileys martini is served without ice. To chill, simply place the cocktail glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can fill the serving glass with cold ice water while mixing. Right before serving, stir the ice water for about 30 seconds and then dump the water and ice.
- To grate the chocolate, simply run a piece of chocolate along a cheese grater or microplane grater. Use the small holes for a finer grated chocolate or the larger holes for slightly bigger pieces. I used the large holes for reference.
- For easy entertaining, you can mix these Irish cream martinis ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Debbie says
This Baileys Chocolate Martini is simply fabulous! It is rich and decadent , a true treat. Thanks for a fabulous recipe.
Jacqueline Debono says
I am so making this baileys chocolate martini asap! I love chocolate liqueurs. Here in Italy we have chocolate grappa which is so good but I think this will be even better!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
What a fancy drink and love that it is so easy to put together! The simple decorative touches add such a personal feel. And loved the idea of instant glass chilling.
Tristin says
Made this for Valentines day and just had to rave about how yummy it was! And the chocolate on the rim was the cherry on top!
Amanda Mason says
So good....wow! The flavor in this drink popped! And it was easy to make! One of my new favorite drinks...thanks so much for this recipe!!
Lauren Michael Harris says
Anything with Baileys and chocolate and I am sold! We have all of these ingredients - these Chocolate Martinis are happening tonight!
Petro says
Oh, my heart! I just died and went to heaven! This is too delicious to pass up, I cannot wait for our next party!
Liz says
I am a chocolate lover, and this martini sounds like the perfect dessert drink! I even have all of the ingredients, so will have to give this recipe a try!
Bernice says
This chocolate martini was the perfect Valentine's dessert! It's nice to have something a little sweet but not too filling after a large meal.
Marta says
I'm trying to plan my St. Paddy's day party and made these Bailey's chocolate martini during a trial run. They were a hit with the hubby and me. I can't wait to impress my guests with them.
Alina says
This is my favorite drink! I love how you served with chocolate, so lovely!
Casey says
What a TREAT! Made these for "dessert" for some girlfriends and we all raved!!! So good!
Beth says
This was the perfect cocktail to serve for our dinner party. Thanks for all of the great tips. It made it really easy too!
Dannii says
Oh wow, that THIS is what I call a cocktail. Such a great way to use Baileys too.
Alison says
I have all of these ingredients! I'm going to make this tonight to ring in the weekend! All my favorite flavors are wrapped into one drink!