Happiness in a Martini Glass

Whether celebrating victory or drowning in sorrow, chocolate helps. At the time this issue went to press, we had no idea which presidential candidate Florida backed (or even – shades of 2000 – if we’d picked a clear winner). But win, lose or stuck somewhere in between, you deserve a little grown-up refreshment, some comfort in a glass. Cheers to the chocolate martini!

To cocktail purists, a martini must be made only of clear liquor, has to be ice cold (but never on the rocks) and should only ever be served in a coupe or martini glass. We disagree.

Difford’s Guide recommends mixing a shot of Ketel One Vodka with pony shots of Dutch White Crème de Cacao and Noilly Prat Extra Dry for its chocolate martini, while Nate “The Jolly Bartender” Wilkinson mixes one from two shots of vodka and a quarter-ounce each of Murlarkey Cocoa Whiskey and white crème de cacao. 

But why be fussy about it? For those seeking a chocolate buzz as strong (or stronger) than the alcoholic kick, there are plenty of delicious drinks with sweet, dark secrets. The chocolate martini is what you make of it.

Here are five of the finest served in our area’s classiest cocktail lounges. Now, you can dish them up at home too. 

KIKI’S WONDERLAND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARTINI

A seasonally available treat at Kiki on the River, Kiki’s Wonderland White Chocolate Martini is like winter without the snow.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ounce Tito’s Handmade Vodka

• 1 ounce Frangelico

• 1 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

• Chocolate syrup

• Chocolate flakes

• Cranberries

METHOD

Build spirits in a shaker, shake well and strain into a martini glass. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, sprinkle with chocolate flakes and garnish with cranberries.

THE TIDES CHOCOLATE MARTINI

Credited to The Tides South Beach Hotel, this chocolate martini adds a touch of class with a cocoa-rimmed glass. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka, chilled

• 1 1/2 ounces white crème de cacao

• 1 Hershey’s Kiss

• Splash Godiva Liqueur

• Sweetened cocoa powder

METHOD

Wet the rim of a martini glass and dip in cocoa powder. Add vodka and crème de cacao to a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well and pour into glass. Drop the chocolate kiss into the glass and top with a splash of Godiva Liqueur. 

NCL CHOCOLATE MARTINI

Yearning for the cruise ships to return to Port Miami? This easy-to-mix Norwegian Cruise Line chocolate martini might help tide you over.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounces Van Gogh Chocolate Vodka

• Splash Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

• Chocolate shavings or cocoa

METHOD

Pour ingredients over ice, shake or stir, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa.

NICK NISTICO’S VELVET MARIE

The Velvet Marie was invented by Miami mixologist Nick Nistico. He’s also the creator of Sexual Chocolate Bitters, so he knows whereof he pours.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ounce Marie Brizard White Cocoa

• 1 ounce añejo tequila

• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blond

• 1/4 ounce Marie Brizard Anisette

• Orange twist

• 1 piece dark chocolate

METHOD

Chill a coupe glass and rinse with anisette. Stir remaining ingredients and strain into the glass. Garnish with an orange twist and a small piece of dark chocolate.

CHEZ BON BON CHOCOLATE MOCK-TINI

Teetotalers need comfort, too. This mocktail pick-me-up comes from Chez Bon Bon at the Fontainbleu Miami Beach.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pumps chocolate syrup

• 4 pumps vanilla syrup 2 shots espresso

• Milk

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate bonbon

METHOD

In a cocktail shaker, add two pumps chocolate syrup, four pumps vanilla syrup and a double shot of espresso. Add ice and shake until cold. Fill tall glass with ice, pour in espresso mixture, then add milk until full. Top with whipped cream and your choice of bonbon.