Chocolate Martini with Baileys Recipe

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Cocktail lovers and candy fanatics, unite! Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite cocktail recipes: my Salted Caramel Chocolate Martini with Baileys. This decadent drink is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a rich chocolate base and a smooth, creamy finish that tastes like a boozy, liquid Snickers candy bar.

Update: This post was originally published in October 2016. I made edits to the post below to include more information about this candy cocktail. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how easy this Chocolate Martini is to make!

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with an after-dinner tipple or simply want to treat yourself to a dreamy, dessert-meets-drink after a long day, this chocolate bar martini is sure to hit the spot. So, grab your shaker and let’s get to mixing!

About these chocolate martinis

Hey, you guuuuuuys!!!! This chocolate liqueur cocktail – it tastes EXACTLY like Sloth’s favorite candy in smooth liquid form. Except with a boozy touch, of course. Because adulting. 🤷‍♀️

If you love Snickers candy bars, you’re going to flip for this Salted Caramel & Chocolate Martini recipe! Featuring caramel vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream, this martini recipe yields the ultimate dessert-drink mashup that the Boy has dubbed “Halloween in a glass.”

Seriously, who needs eat candy when you can drink it!? Okay, so maybe you still need candy. But you definitely need a pitcher of this caramel chocolate cocktail on the side.

This vodka chocolate martini recipe is sinfully decadent, ridiculously rich, and perfectly creamy with heavenly notes of chocolate and caramel. When served in a fancy martini glass drizzled with easy homemade chocolate sauce, topped with creamy whipped cream, and garnished with chopped candy, you’ll have yourself the best chocolate martini recipe of your life, bar none.

Basically, this candy bar martini is the perfect culmination of your inner child and your grown-ass self’s desires — drinkable candy that gets you sauced. Hedonism never tasted so good!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Aside from being a delightfully drinkable dessert that’ll have you coming back for more, my ultimate chocolate martini recipe is also:

• Quick & Easy – Measure, shake, strain, serve. It only takes a few minutes to make!
• Rich & Creamy – Seriously, y’all. It’s like melted candy bar ice cream magic.
• Budget-Friendly – I don’t know about you, but last time my friends and I went out for cocktails, our jaws hit the floor. I mean, $15 for ONE drink?!? You can make your own Happy Hour at home for a group, complete with snacks, for less than the price of a round the town.
• Customizable – Serve your chocolatey bailey martini in a chilled martini glass topped with rich dark chocolate syrup and shaved chocolate or a mini candy bar for an epic dessert drink.

What is a chocolate martini?

Well, my dears, this caramelly chocolate martini with baileys is a magical elixir that transports you to a world of pure imagination! Imagine the chocolate river in Willy Wonka’s factory, but with a sophisticated, boozy twist. It’s a heavenly concoction of chocolatey goodness, with a generous splash of silky smooth salted caramel vodka and a dash of nutty whimsy. 

One sip is like a little slice of heaven in a glass where calories don’t exist and happiness is abundant. So, if you’re in the mood for a little bit of magic in your life, whip up a batch of this chocotini recipe and let the enchantment begin!

Ingredients for martini with baileys

If you’ve ever wondered what’s in a baileys chocolate martini, you’ve probably checked out dozens of chocolate martini recipes. While there are lots of options out there, I’ve gotta say — this Snickers-inspired tipple might just be the best chocolate cocktail recipe around. 

Here’s what you need:

• Caramel Vodka – Sweet, salty, and filled with boozy goodness, this caramel-flavored spirit is key to achieving the candy bar vibe we’re going for.
  • Substitution: If you don’t have caramel vodka, you can substitute regular vodka and add a bit of caramel syrup to taste.
• Irish Cream – For creamy sweetness and another layer of booze. I used caramel-flavored Irish Cream in my martini to give it an extra caramel kick, but you can use a plain ‘ole Irish Cream, such as Baileys. 
  • Substitution: You can also swap in any other cream liquors, such as Knappogue Castle, Feckin, or Teeling Small Batch.
• Chocolate Liqueur – I’m a big fan of Godiva chocolate liqueur, which tastes like a melted truffle in a glass.
• Amaretto – If you want that nutty, salty Snickers flavor, this almond-flavored liqueur is the way to go.
  • Substitutions: Feel free to swap in another nut-flavored liqueur like hazelnut-flavored Frangelico! Alternatively, you can use a small splash of nut-flavored extract and more vodka.
• Half-and-Half – Optional, but highly recommended if you want an extra creamy, smooth, melted ice cream vibe. You can use either fat-free or regular for the dessert martini. If you want your cocktail a little less strong, simply add more half-and-half. If you like your cocktail stiff, skip the half-and-half altogether.
  • Substitutions: Feel free to swap in a 50/50 split of cream and milk (that’s what half-and-half means!!), or use your favorite plant-based creamer instead.

Recipe variations

As much as I love this recipe for chocolate martini with baileys just the way it’s written, there’s plenty of room for you to put your own spin on things. Here are a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning:

• Decorative Chocolate Sauce – I’f you’re making my easy chocolate syrup to decorate your glassware, you’ll need chocolate and half-n-half.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan – Use a vegan cream liqueur, such as Baileys Almande or Creme de Noyaux and swap in your favorite plant-based creamer.
• Chocolate Mint Martini – Swap in peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe in place of amaretto for a refreshing, Peppermint Patty twist.
• Nutella Martini – Substitute hazelnut liqueur (e.g. Frangelico) for the amaretto to create a drinkable Ferrero Rocher truffle. 🤤
• Spicy Chocolate Martini – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the recipe for a spicy, Aztec-inspired kick.
• Chocolate Raspberry Martini – Swap in your favorite berry-flavored liqueur (e.g. Chambord) in place of the amaretto. Alternatively, you can add a splash of raspberry liqueur to the recipe for a chocolatey PB&J vibe. YUM.
• Chocolate Orange Martini – Substitute orange liqueur (e.g. Grand Marnier) for the amaretto to create drinkable version of those smash-able chocolate oranges you used to get in your Christmas stocking.

How to make a chocolate bar martini

Making vodka chocolate baileys martini mix at home is super easy. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Measure: Grab all your bar ingredients for this chocotini recipe. Then, measure the alcohols and liqueurs.
2. Add to a Shaker: Fill a martini shaker with ice and add all the chocolate martini ingredients.
3. Shake: Place the top onto the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until very cold to the touch.
4. Pour Martini: Pour the chocolate liqueur cocktail out into chilled martini glasses rimmed with chocolate or sugar.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top your chocolate cocktail with your favorite dessert toppings, like whipped cream and crushed cookies. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Expert tips for the best success!

While making this chocolate vodka martini is pretty straightforward, there are a few tricks I’ve learned to ensure the BEST possible cocktails:

• Place your glasses in the freezer or fridge for at least 30 minutes before shaking up your delicious drinks to ensure they are frosty and delicious.
• The key to the ultimate chocolate martini recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like premium chocolate liqueur and fresh Irish cream. 
• Shake it like you mean it. To get the perfect frothy texture, shake your cocktail shaker vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This will help blend all the martini mix ingredients together and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• After shaking your chocolate martini, use a strainer to remove any ice chips or bits of chocolate that may have broken off during shaking to ensure a silky, smooth texture.
• Go for garnishing gold. To give your chocolate martini an extra touch of indulgence, garnish it with whipped cream, a piece of chocolate, a drizzle of caramel and chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. 
• Remember that taste is subjective. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the proportions of the ingredients to find the perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust the ratios in this cocktail with chocolate liqueur to suit your own preferences.
• To give your chocolate cocktails extra pizazz, decorate the inside of the glasses. I like to use chocolate and/or caramel sauce. Simply drizzle the sauce(s) on the inside of the glass and then place the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This step is completely optional. If you would like to make your own sauce, I have included an easy, microwave-based homemade chocolate sauce recipe in the notes section of the recipe card below.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What’s in chocolate martini recipes?

My chocolate Snicker-tini is a chocolatey, caramelly twist on a traditional vodka martini. The main ingredients in this simple chocolate martini recipe are caramel vodka, Baileys Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, and amaretto.

What does a chocolate martini taste like?

Think of these chocolate liqueur cocktails as luxurious, velvety smooth chocolatey goodness, with a hint of creaminess that dissolves on your tongue. One sip is like taking a luxurious dip in a pool of rich, melty chocolate, with just a hint of caramel and cream to keep things interesting. It’s dessert in a glass, but with a boozy twist that makes it even better. 

I basically consider it liquid happiness made from the tears of unicorns and Willy Wonka’s dreams. Need I say more?

Are chocolate martinis strong?

Oh, you better believe they are! A chocolate martini with Irish cream is like a tiny, powerful chocolatey tornado in a glass. It may look innocent with its silky smooth texture and tempting garnishes, but don’t be fooled — it packs a punch! So go ahead and enjoy, but be warned: a few sips of this delightful concoction and you’ll be floating on Cloud 9.

Can I make a chocolate bar martini without alcohol?

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe for chocolate martinis without alcohol. To do so, simply swap out the alcohol for non-alcoholic vodka, and the liqueurs for their non-alcoholic counterparts.

What’s the best Irish cream for a martini?

When selecting a brand or Irish Cream, it’s most important to consider your own personal preferences. If you prefer a snickers martini with a smooth, creamy flavor I recommend Bailey’s Irish Cream, Knappague, or Tettling. If you prefer a richer chocolate martini, use a flavor-infused cream liqueur, such as Feckin which has notes of coffee and chocolate.

Serving drinks with chocolate liqueur

1. This chocolate caramel martini is so indulgent and rich, it can easily replace a dessert. Serve it after a fancy dinner party to impress your guests and make them feel pampered. And, don’t forget to pair it with this peppermint dessert cocktail if you want to be the host with the most. 
2. If you don’t want dessert to be too one note, serve these chocolate cocktails alongside a cheese course. The creamy, candy flavors of my chocolate martini go surprisingly well with salty, tangy cheeses. 
3. These chocolate martini vodka drinks are the perfect addition to any fancy brunch spread. Pair them with some avocado eggs with toast, coffee cake in a coffee mug, or cinnamon French toast for a decadent start to your day.
4. Snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a chocolate martini while you enjoy a classic spooky movie or binge-watch your favorite scary TV show. Consider Halloween adult-ified.
5. If you’re serving these chocolatey martinis at a party, consider pairing them with a slow cooker hot cocoa recipe for the non-drinkers and under-21 guests.

Garnishing martinis

There are endless ways to garnish the top of a martini or decorate the rim. Below are some fun and delicious martini toppings to get your creative juices flowing:

• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar into thin strips to garnish your drink.
• Mini Candy Bars: Place a couple pieces of mini candy bars on a skewer and use that as a garnish to create an epic candy bar martini.
• Whipped Cream: Use homemade whipped cream for the best flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Dust a bit of instant espresso over the top of your martini for an energetic kick.
• Cocoa Powder: Or keep things ultra-chocolatey by dusting the top of your chocolate baileys drink with cocoa powder.
• Crushed Cookies: Crush up your favorite chocolate cookies, like Oreos, chocolate chip, cookie bars, or triple chocolate cookies to garnish the top of your baileys chocolate martini.

Rim ideas

• Chocolate Syrup: Personally, rich chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce are my favorite rim ideas for this milkshake martini.
• Sugar: Combine an equal amount of cocoa powder and white sugar on a small plate. Dip the martini rim into water, then into the sugary chocolate mixture.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: Dip the rim of the martini glass into chocolate sauce or water, then into a bowl of chocolate sprinkles.
• Graham Crackers: Crush cinnamon graham crackers into a fine dust. Dip the rim in water, followed by the cracker powder.
• Chocolate Dust: Dip the rim of a martini glass into water, then into cocoa powder.

Storing leftovers 

• If you have any leftover chocolate bailey martini, you can store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a good shake or stir to blend any separated ingredients back together. Keep in mind that the texture and flavors may change slightly after being refrigerated, but it should still be safe to drink.
• You’re also welcome to freeze leftover Snicker Cocktails for up to a month, though this drink recipe works better if you omit the half-n-half. Please note that the chocolate martinis with baileys won’t freeze all the way through because alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water.

Thanks for shaking things up with me and getting the inside scoop on how to make the perfect baileys chocolate martini! Remember, life is too short to not indulge in a little sweetness every now and then. So go ahead and enjoy this delicious treat in all its frothy, creamy glory. Cheers to you, and may all your chocolate dreams come true!

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More martini recipes!

• Pumpkin Martini
• Christmas Cookie Martini

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Recipe adapted from Liquor.com