Mocha Martini Cocktail Recipe

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A decadent twist on the classic espresso martini, this Mocha Martini cocktail recipe is perfect for an after dinner dessert cocktail!

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Coffee. Is there a more delicious flavor? It’s warming and cozy and exhilarating and delicious. Unfortunately, I’m caffeine sensitive. (I know, it’s pathetic, but I’ve accepted it.) So I usually have to go for approved-decaf coffee or avoid it altogether.

To be extra safe, I usually try to dilute my coffee with hot chocolate in the super-rich-and-incredibly-unhealthy morning mocha!

Looking for another drink-made-cocktail? Try this Pumpkin Spice Hot Buttered Rum!

Fortunately, in a cocktail, the majority of the fluid is vodka so I don’t really need to worry about too much caffeine anyway. 

But I’ve become accustomed to that rich mocha flavor, so I figured why not make a mocha cocktail!

The result: a simple “espresso martini” with a bit of extra chocolatey flavor for an extra decadent dessert cocktail.

Another great sweet martini is this tropical coconut lychee martini recipe!

An espresso or mocha martini is generally considered an “after dinner” cocktail or “dessert” cocktail, so it’s a little sweeter than most. (Which makes these extra dangerous!)

More cozy cocktails? Try these easy Fall Cocktails you can make Right Now!

But you can always adjust to your own personal taste, as you’ll see below. The even better news is this cocktail is served chilled. So you can make most of the ingredients in advance and then chill until you’re ready to drink up!

On the flip side, you can make the coffee and the hot chocolate “to order” so you have the exact amount you need and avoid any waste or extra ingredients! Just be sure you leave time for it to cool.

Ingredients in a Mocha-tini

You really only need a few ingredients to make this cocktail work: vodka, chocolate, and coffee.

I keep them in equal amounts, so the mocha flavors are perfectly in unison with the alcohol. But adjust as you prefer. Some prefer less coffee, more chocolate and vice versa.

The Coffee

You need espresso in an espresso martini. And since this is a variation on that theme, you’ll need it in this version too. But if you don’t have an espresso machine and don’t feel like purchasing some just to put into a cocktail…you can use regular coffee in a pinch as well. It just won’t be quite as strong or flavorful.

I also add coffee liqueur as it adds both flavor and sweetness. The most popular is Kahlúa, but feel free to use whichever brand you choose.

The Chocolate

If you want a true mocha or chocolatey flavor, hot chocolate is an essential component in this recipe. The good news is, if you’re using bulk hot chocolate mix, it’s easy to make as much or as little as you want!

Don’t want to add hot chocolate? You’ll have a less chocolatey and less creamy cocktail. Perhaps add ½ oz. extra chocolate liqueur to make up for the flavor. Or stick with coffee-heavy mocha!

If you’re struggling to come up with what to do with the rest of your hot chocolate, here’s a list of Christmas Cocktail Recipes that might just have the perfect Hot Chocolate cocktail for you!

Chocolate liqueur is voluntary in this recipe, though I prefer to add some because it adds flavor and more alcohol. If you don’t want to purchase an extra bottle for just this cocktail, use extra hot chocolate or just accept you’ll have a more coffee-strong flavor in your mocha cocktail. Feel free to add that extra ½ oz. as coffee liqueur if you prefer coffee-heavy flavor.

The Amounts

As stated above, you can adjust flavors according to taste. I do recommend 2 oz. vodka as a starting point.

You then have 1 oz. flavor to add. Split it between coffee and hot chocolate or stick with your favorite.

And you have an additional 1 oz. of liqueur to add. Liqueurs add flavor and sweetness, so I’d recommend you invest in at least one flavor!

Adjust to your preference: more Kahlúa means strong coffee; more chocolate liqueur means more chocolate flavor. Just be sure whatever you choose adds up to 1 oz so you fill your martini glass and enjoy the cocktail as it’s meant.

Worried about making so little chocolate and espresso…remember 1 oz. will be enough for two servings! Enough for you and a partner. (Or enough for two for yourself if you don’t feel like sharing.)

What to serve with a Mocha Martini?

Mocha Martinis are considered dessert drinks. You can serve them entirely on their own, as they are quite sweet. But also consider chocolate-covered strawberries or other fruit. You could also try plain chocolate squares or chocolate cake as a dessert option!