If you love the classic chocolate-covered cherry candy, this martini brings that same flavor to your glass. It’s smooth, indulgent, and a little playful—perfect for date night or a small gathering. The balance of deep chocolate, bright cherry, and creamy vanilla makes it taste like dessert without being cloying.
You don’t need fancy bar tools to make it shine, just a shaker and a few well-chosen ingredients. Serve it cold, sip slowly, and enjoy the nostalgia.
What Makes This Special
This cocktail takes the charm of a beloved candy and turns it into a grown-up treat. The mix of chocolate liqueur and cherry flavors creates a layered sip—rich at first, then fruity, with a silky finish.
A touch of vanilla vodka rounds out the profile and adds warmth. If you garnish with a chocolate-dipped cherry or a cocoa-sugar rim, it also looks impressive without much effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doubles as both a drink and a dessert course.
Shopping List
- Vanilla vodka (or regular vodka with a drop of vanilla extract)
- Crème de cacao (preferably dark for richer color)
- Cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering or maraschino liqueur; choose based on sweetness)
- Chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Maraschino cherry juice or unsweetened tart cherry juice (to adjust sweetness)
- Ice (plenty, for shaking)
- Garnish options: maraschino or Luxardo cherries, chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Chill your glass. Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
A cold glass keeps the texture silky.
- Prepare a garnish (optional). For a simple rim, dip the rim in a light coat of chocolate syrup and then in cocoa powder or fine sugar. Set aside.
- Add ingredients to a shaker. Pour in 1.5 oz vanilla vodka, 0.75 oz crème de cacao, 0.75 oz chocolate liqueur, and 0.5–0.75 oz cherry liqueur. If you like it creamier, add 0.5 oz half-and-half.
For a brighter cherry note, add 0.25 oz cherry juice.
- Fill with ice and shake hard. Shake for 15–20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. The goal is a cold, slightly aerated texture.
- Strain into the chilled glass. A fine strain helps remove small ice chips for a smooth finish.
- Garnish and serve. Add a cherry on a pick, a light chocolate drizzle, or a few curls of shaved chocolate. Serve immediately.
How to Store
If you’re batching for a small party, mix the spirits ahead of time without ice or dairy.
Store the blend in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add cream and ice only when you’re ready to serve. Garnishes like chocolate-dipped cherries can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled on parchment.
Leftover mixed cocktails with cream don’t store well—enjoy them fresh.
Health Benefits
This is a dessert cocktail, so think of benefits as modest. That said, cherry juice can offer antioxidants and tart cherry varieties may support post-exercise recovery. Dark chocolate flavors (from crème de cacao or cocoa garnish) contain polyphenols, though amounts in a cocktail are small.
Choosing half-and-half over heavy cream can slightly reduce calories and fat. As always, moderation is key; enjoy one thoughtfully rather than several quickly.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Too sweet. Cherry liqueurs vary. If yours is very sweet, reduce the chocolate liqueur slightly or add a splash of unsweetened tart cherry juice to balance.
- Watery texture. Under-shaking leads to a thin drink.
Shake hard with plenty of ice until the shaker frosts over.
- Overly boozy bite. If the drink tastes hot, add a touch more crème de cacao or a small splash of cream to round the edges.
- Clashing flavors. Vanilla extract can be potent; if substituting for vanilla vodka, use just a drop—too much can taste artificial.
- Heavy cream overload. More than 0.75 oz can mute the cherry. Keep dairy light to let the fruit shine.
Alternatives
- Dairy-free version: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat creamer instead of cream. Shake well for body.
- Light and dry: Skip cream and chocolate liqueur; use vodka, crème de cacao, cherry liqueur, and a bigger splash of tart cherry juice.
Garnish with a lemon twist for contrast.
- Extra chocolatey: Add 0.25 oz crème de cacao and finish with shaved dark chocolate. Keep cherry liqueur at 0.5 oz to avoid excessive sweetness.
- Smoky twist: Swap 0.25–0.5 oz of the vodka for mezcal. Use tart cherry juice to keep balance; skip cream for a cleaner profile.
- Zero-proof: Use nonalcoholic chocolate and cherry syrups with NA vodka alternatives.
Balance with tart cherry juice and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Can I make this without vanilla vodka?
Yes. Use regular vodka and add a tiny drop of vanilla extract, or swap in a vanilla-flavored nonalcoholic syrup. Start small—vanilla gets strong quickly.
What’s the best cherry liqueur for this?
Cherry Heering gives a rich, jammy sweetness; maraschino liqueur is drier and more floral.
If you prefer a candy-like profile, choose Heering. For a lighter, more elegant note, go with maraschino and add a splash of cherry juice for color.
Do I need both crème de cacao and chocolate liqueur?
Using both adds depth—crème de cacao is cocoa-forward, while chocolate liqueur brings sweetness and texture. If you only have one, increase it slightly and adjust sweetness with syrup or cherry juice.
How can I make it look professional?
Chill the glass, fine-strain the cocktail, and choose a single clean garnish like a skewered cherry or a minimal chocolate drizzle.
Wipe the rim for any drips before serving.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the spirits by the number of servings, combine in a bottle, and chill. Shake each portion with ice right before serving, adding cream only at the last moment.
What if I don’t like sweet drinks?
Use maraschino liqueur instead of a sweet cherry liqueur, skip the chocolate liqueur, and add extra tart cherry juice.
A dash of bitters can also cut sweetness.
Is cream necessary?
No. It adds silkiness, but the drink is excellent without it. If you skip cream, consider a slightly larger measure of chocolate liqueur for body.
Final Thoughts
A Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini should feel playful yet polished.
With a few core bottles and a cold shaker, you’ll get a dessert-like sip that’s balanced and easy to repeat. Keep sweetness in check, aim for a frosty finish, and give it a simple garnish. Whether you serve it as an opener or a nightcap, it’s the kind of cocktail that turns a regular evening into a little celebration.
Cheers.
