Waiter, There’s Chocolate In My Gin!
Once the wallflower at every party, gin has risen through the ranks to become the life of the bash. Its versatility and botanical charm have earned it a prime spot in mixology, so it's hardly surprising the number of innovative gin cocktails that are transpiring from experiments behind the bar.
From the usual G&T variants to the bizarre alternatives (look up Rose Sour and Midnight Mochi), gin connoisseurs have put its versatility to the ultimate test by pairing it with a range of mixers from mochi to rose water. It would be a stretch to say that all these experiments have resulted in fruitful libations. But few have managed to captivate taste buds quite like the dynamic duo of gin and chocolate.
Now, if you’re still reading this piece, we’re assuming you’re a chocolate lover or perhaps, someone willing to give these chocolate interpretations a go. We applaud your adventurous spirit and assure you that your willingness to try something new will be rewarded with sinful drinks that will not only appeal to your better sense but hopefully make the cut to your list of favourite cocktails. So let’s get wicked!
Chocolate G&T
Given the immense popularity of the classic G&T, we’re confident this straightforward adaptation will be lapped up by many. Picture this: a generous pour of your favourite gin, a splash of tonic water, and now, the twist – a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup. It’s the classic G&T with a decadent choco-licious kick that’ll soon become your go-to drink for Saturday evening sundowners. If you have a weakness for dark chocolate, we recommend using 60% dark chocolate in this drink for best results.
Ingredients:
40ml gin
50g melted dark chocolate
20ml chocolate liqueur
100ml tonic water
Crushed ice
Cocoa or coffee beans (for garnish)
Method:
In a glass, whisk together 40 ml gin and 50 gms melted dark chocolate until smooth.
Add 20 ml chocolate liqueur and 100 ml tonic water to the mix.
Shake the contents vigorously with crushed ice.
Strain the concoction into a martini glass.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa or a few coffee beans and serve immediately.
Chocolate Hazelnut Martini
Cloudy with a chance of hazelnut is the forecast for the evening. This chocolate martini packs a hearty blast of nutty goodness and has just about everything to hit the spot. While this drink can be made using white or dark chocolate liqueur, we would highly recommend if not insist that you go with the dark option as it accentuates the bold hazelnut flavour instead of shadowing it with its sweetness. But if you’re a sucker for milk-based cocktails, the white chocolate variant won’t disappoint either. This decadent concoction uses fresh cream so we recommend that you save this one for the holiday season when you can at least pin this excessive indulgence on the festive season.
Ingredients:
25ml gin
15ml hazelnut liqueur
15ml chocolate liqueur (white or dark)
30ml double cream
Crushed ice
Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Method:
Shake all your ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice
Strain the contents into a glass or cup
Garnish with cinnamon sticks
Chocolate Orange Martini
This is not the first time we’ve been introduced to the sinful collaboration between orange and dark chocolate. The citrusy punch of oranges and the decadent sweetness of chocolates cumulatively result in a flavour that has been interpreted in various culinary marvels from cakes to cookies to chocolate bars. Heck, there are granola bars that are celebrating this flavour as well. But did you know that both these flavours contain essential oils that contribute to their distinctive aromas? And when combined, they actually create a complex and inviting bouquet. Well, who are we to argue against science? So it’s only natural that we attempt to translate this successful combo into a drink that’s only too familiar and yet, extremely satisfying.
Ingredients:
25ml gin
25ml chocolate liqueur
15ml orange liqueur
10ml orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
Grated dark chocolate
Crushed ice
Sparklers (optional)
Method:
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine gin, chocolate liqueur, orange liqueur, orange juice, and the zest of 1 orange.
Shake the concoction vigorously.
Dampen the rim of a chilled glass with orange juice.
Dip the glass rim into grated dark chocolate, creating a tempting chocolatey edge.
