World Chocolate Day 2024: 3 Delicious Cocktails For Cacao Fans
WE’VE LONG BEEN told that love makes the world go round. The truth, of course, is that it’s chocolate. From adding a sweet end to a tough day or embellishing a festive occasion with rich and memorable flavours, to symbolising a feeling of affection, attraction, gratitude — chocolate can truly do it all. And it gets a deeper kick when it’s infused into other wonderful treats: think desserts, or better yet, cocktails!
On the occasion of World Chocolate Day 2024, we’ve put together a few delicious cocktails in which chocolate is the undisputed star. Don’t just save these recipes for this Sunday; make these delectable libations part of your house parties and special get-togethers as a treat for your guests. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Chocolate Hazelnut Martini Cocktail
Velvety chocolate meets nutty hazelnut and crisp vodka in this liquid delight. Don’t be put off by the long-ish list of ingredients, this recipe is easy enough to mix. You’ll need —
Ingredients
Vodka, 60 ml
Hot chocolate (chilled), 55 ml
Single cream, 35 ml
Chocolate hazelnut spread, 1 tsp
Double cream, 80 ml
Caster sugar, ¼ tbsp
Granulated sugar, ¾ tbsp
Cocoa powder, 1 tsp
Ice
Method
Rim a cocktail glass with sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cocoa powder, and pour into a plate when well-mixed. Invert the cocktail glass over the plate and gently roll its rim through the sugar-cocoa mix. Set aside.
Prepare the vodka cream: In a chilled bowl, add double cream, caster sugar, and 10 ml of vodka. Whisk to form a smooth paste.
Get a mason jar and add some ice cubes to it. Then, pour the chilled hot chocolate into the jar, followed by single cream. Add chocolate hazelnut spread in the jar to give the cocktail a rich, nutty flavour.
Measure and pour 50 ml of vodka into the mason jar and close the lid. Shake the contents of the jar until well-mixed and chilled. Now, pour the mixture into the sugar-rimmed glass that you prepared earlier. Finish with a generous scoop of the prepared vodka cream.
Single Malt Hot Chocolate
A smoky single malt does the tango with rich hot chocolate in this perfect-for-chilly-weather drink. Gather up these:
Ingredients
Single malt of choice, 30 ml
Amaro, 15 ml
Frangelico, 15ml
Hot chocolate, 200 ml
Cinnamon syrup, 15 ml
Whip cream
Marshmallows
Method
Pour everything from single malt to cinnamon syrup in a mug and stir well. Top with whip cream and marshmallows.
Chocolate Orange Smores Martini Cocktail
An indulgent blend of chocolate, marshmallow, vodka and Irish cream liqueur. Need we say more? To summon up this decadence, you’ll need —
Ingredients
Melted dark chocolate, 1 bar
Finely crushed oats biscuits, 2 tbsp
Slightly crushed orange pearl sugar, 1 tbsp
Irish cream liqueur, 45 ml
Vodka, 25 ml
Orange zest, 3 strips
Double cream, 30 ml
Marshmallow, 1 large
Edible gold leaf, enough for 1 sprinkle
A sprig of fresh mint
Ice
Method
Take two plates. On one, spread melted chocolate; on the other, scatter crushed biscuits and pearl sugar. Dip the rim of a chilled glass into the melted chocolate, then into the biscuits and sugar. Place the glass in the refrigerator to cool once again.
In a cocktail shaker, combine Irish cream liqueur, vodka, orange peel and mint. Shake until fully blended. Fill the prepared glass halfway with the shaker’s contents. Pour the double cream carefully over the top of the drink using the back of a spoon. Using a wooden skewer, toast the marshmallow over a flame, and serve along with the drink.
These recipes — like most things involving chocolate – are lip-smacking, so do make it a point to drink and serve responsibly. Remember, good things are best enjoyed in moderation!
