This White Chocolate Raspberry Martini is the kind of drink that feels like dessert without being fussy. It’s velvety, lightly sweet, and full of bright berry flavor. If you love raspberry and white chocolate together, this cocktail brings that pairing into a chic, sippable moment.
It looks beautiful in the glass and tastes like something you’d order at a great lounge—but you can make it at home in minutes. Whether it’s date night, a girls’ night in, or a holiday toast, this martini fits the mood.
What Makes This Special
This cocktail blends the creamy charm of white chocolate with the tart pop of raspberry. The result is balanced—sweet but not cloying, fruity but not acidic.
The color alone, a soft pink blush, makes it party-ready.
- Velvety texture: White chocolate liqueur adds body and silkiness without heavy cream.
- Fresh berry brightness: Raspberry liqueur and optional fresh raspberries give a lively, natural fruit flavor.
- Approachable ingredients: You only need a few bottles and a lemon. No syrups or obscure steps.
- Easy to batch: Scales well for a crowd—shake to order for the frothy finish.
- Looks stunning: A sugar rim or white chocolate shaving turns it into a showstopper.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka (plain vodka works too; add a drop of vanilla extract if needed)
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva White)
- 0.75 oz raspberry liqueur (Chambord or similar)
- 0.5 oz half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness; see Alternatives)
- 0.25–0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (to brighten and balance; start with 0.25 oz)
- Ice (for shaking)
- Optional garnish: Fresh raspberries, white chocolate shavings, or a vanilla sugar rim
- Optional rim: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with a pinch of vanilla sugar or a few drops of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your glass. Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. A cold glass keeps the drink silky and crisp.
- Prepare the rim (optional). Mix granulated sugar with a touch of vanilla.
Lightly swipe a lemon wedge around the rim of your chilled glass, then dip it into the sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Measure your spirits. Add the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and raspberry liqueur to a cocktail shaker.
- Add cream and citrus. Pour in the half-and-half and 0.25 oz lemon juice. The lemon lifts the sweetness and brightens the berry notes.
- Fill with ice. Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker.
Cold and dilution are key to a smooth texture.
- Shake hard for 12–15 seconds. You want the shaker frosty on the outside and the mixture well aerated for a slightly foamy top.
- Taste and adjust. Before straining, dip a clean straw to taste. If it’s too sweet, add another splash (0.1–0.25 oz) of lemon juice and shake again. If too tart, add a touch more white chocolate liqueur.
- Strain into the chilled glass. Use a fine strainer for a super-smooth sip.
The color should be a pale blush pink.
- Garnish. Add a raspberry or two on a pick, or sprinkle white chocolate shavings over the top. Serve immediately.
How to Store
This cocktail is best mixed and served fresh. If you’re batching for a party, combine all the spirits and cream in a bottle and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Don’t add the lemon juice or ice until serving—acidity can dull over time and dairy can curdle if it sits with citrus.
- Batch ratio: Multiply the ingredients by your number of servings, keep cold, then shake each serving with ice and lemon juice to order.
- Leftovers: If you have a small amount left, keep it chilled and use within the same day.
Shake again with ice before serving to refresh the texture.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Fast and impressive: It takes under five minutes and feels special enough for celebrations.
- Balanced sweetness: The small touch of lemon keeps it from tasting heavy or syrupy.
- Flexible: Works with vodka you already have; adjust creaminess and tartness to your taste.
- Gorgeous presentation: The soft pink color and simple garnish make it photo-ready.
- Crowd-friendly: Easy to scale and customize for different palates.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip chilling the glass. A warm glass thins the texture and mutes flavor.
- Don’t overdo the lemon. Too much citrus can overpower the white chocolate and may curdle the dairy. Start small and adjust.
- Don’t shake weakly. Gentle shaking won’t chill or dilute enough; you need that brisk shake for a velvety finish.
- Don’t use old cream. Fresh half-and-half or cream matters for taste and stability.
- Don’t skip tasting. A tiny test sip lets you dial in sweetness and acidity before you pour.
Alternatives
- No vanilla vodka? Use plain vodka and add 1–2 drops of vanilla extract, or 0.25 oz simple syrup infused with vanilla.
- Dairy-free version: Use unsweetened coconut cream or a rich barista oat creamer. Add a pinch of salt to round the flavors.
- Stronger chocolate note: Swap half the white chocolate liqueur for cream liqueur or add 0.25 oz white crème de cacao if available.
- Less sweet: Reduce raspberry liqueur to 0.5 oz and add 0.25 oz muddled fresh raspberries strained through a fine mesh.
- Fruity twist: Add 0.25 oz raspberry purée for a deeper berry flavor and a richer color.
- Spirited variation: Replace 0.5 oz of vodka with gin for botanical lift, or add a dash of orange bitters for complexity.
FAQ
Can I make this without cream?
Yes.
Use a creamy dairy-free substitute like coconut cream or barista oat creamer. You can also skip cream entirely and rely on the white chocolate liqueur for body, but the drink will be lighter and less silky.
What if I don’t have raspberry liqueur?
Muddle 4–5 fresh raspberries with 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup, then fine strain into the shaker. The flavor is fresher and less sweet, so taste and adjust with a bit more white chocolate liqueur if needed.
How do I prevent curdling?
Use fresh dairy, chill your ingredients, and add only a small amount of lemon juice.
Shake quickly and strain right away. If you see tiny specks, fine strain; they won’t affect flavor much.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Combine vodka, white chocolate liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and cream in a pitcher and chill.
Shake individual servings with ice and lemon juice just before pouring for best texture and brightness.
What glass should I use?
A chilled martini or coupe glass works best. The wide bowl shows off the color and supports the delicate aroma of raspberry and vanilla.
How sweet is this drink?
It’s gently sweet, like a light dessert cocktail. If you prefer drier drinks, reduce the raspberry liqueur, add a touch more lemon, and keep the shake cold and brisk.
Can I use white chocolate syrup instead of liqueur?
You can, but the flavor will be sweeter and less nuanced.
If using syrup, reduce or omit any added sugar and keep the lemon juice to balance. You may also want to add a splash of vodka to maintain the ABV and body.
Final Thoughts
The White Chocolate Raspberry Martini is a simple way to bring a touch of luxury to your evening. With its silky texture, soft pink color, and balanced flavor, it tastes like a treat but never feels heavy.
Keep the ingredients cold, shake with confidence, and finish with a pretty garnish. It’s reliable, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—exactly what a home cocktail should be.
