Some months back I was invited to try a Chocolate Mint Liqueur from John DeKuyper & Sons. I used it in a playful adult shake with vodka and vanilla ice cream and enjoyed it so much that I asked for a bottle of their Chocolate Chili Liqueur as well. The bottle has been on my counter for a couple of weeks. I’d planned to post last Friday, but preparing the house to sell took more time and energy than expected. I didn’t manage to photograph that first cocktail—so I simply sat back and enjoyed it without worrying about pictures. It was a nice break.
The Chocolate Chili Martini is remarkably simple: liqueur, vodka, plenty of ice, and a vigorous shake. The result is a chilled, indulgent chocolate martini with a subtle peppery warmth that lingers but never overpowers. My friend Ansh sampled it while helping with final prep for selling the house and summed it up perfectly—the chili provides a pleasant, cozy heat. Paired with vodka, it’s an easy winner. Next on my list is to try this liqueur stirred into hot chocolate.
I like a rimmed glass for this cocktail. A mix of sparkling sugar, cocoa, and a pinch of cayenne complements the flavors beautifully and adds visual flair as well as a hint of spice on the first sip.
If you enjoy a White Russian, try a Chili Russian: add a splash of cream or half-and-half to the Chocolate Chili Martini. The extra cream softens the edge and creates a dessert-like cocktail that’s equally satisfying.
Hot chocolate with a measure of chocolate chile liqueur is definitely on my short list of cozy drinks to test next. This liqueur is fun to experiment with and adds a pleasant twist to classic drinks.
Chocolate Chili Martini
Barb
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Rim
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the cocktail
- 3 ounces Chocolate Chili Liqueur
- 2 ounce vodka
Instructions
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Mix the rim ingredients. Dip the glass rim into a small puddle of liqueur, then press into the sugar-cocoa-cayenne mix.
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Combine the Chocolate Chili Liqueur and vodka in a shaker filled with ice.
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Shake vigorously until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
Notes
Nutrition