How Sweet It Is! - The Chocolate Martini
"Set 'em up Joe, and make mine a Chocolate Martini!" Could anyone imagine the sophisticated likes of either Clark Gable or Humphrey Bogart ever saying this? Probably not. And with one very good reason.
Unfortunately for them, the Chocolate Martini only came into vogue some 40 years after they both had departed this earth, bound for the big Silver Screen in the sky. It is very unlikely that either of them would have ever tasted one of these full-bodied and satisfying dessert oriented libations. If they had, who knows?
In stark contrast to its distant cousin, what some purists claim to be the only real Martini, (a rather medicinal tasting, ice-chilled mixture of gin and vermouth, usually found embalming a helpless olive impaled on a wooden spear), the Chocolate Martini provides the drinker with a sensory indulgence from the moment the glass is lifted.
The dark brown color gently painting the interior of the triangular shaped glass, the aroma, reminiscent of a slice of decadent chocolate cake, and the sweet, robust chocolate flavor with its full finish puts the Chocolate Martini in a class beyond that of a simple cocktail.
Weighing in at a mere 415 calories, the superior five and one half ounce Double Chocolate Chocolate Martini can be a calorie saving and satisfying substitute to dessert. Compare this to a three-inch square serving of run of the mill frosted sheet cake with 450 calories, or four ounces of cheesecake with 460 calories. Let's not even consider the fat content in the last two items.
While it makes for a weak argument that the Chocolate Martini be considered as either a dietary exchange, or a main component of the next fad diet, let your senses be your guide. Here are a few of my own favorite recipes. Oh, and the legal stuff, always drink responsibly. But you already knew that.
Lightning Fast Chocolate Martini
3 ounces premium vodka
1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur or crème de cocoa
Double Chocolate Chocolate Martini
3 ounces premium vodka
1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur or crème de cocoa
2 tsp. chocolate syrup
Chocolate Orange Martini
3 ounces premium vodka
2 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur or crème de cocoa
1 ounce Grand Marnier
Chocolate Hazelnut Martini
3 ounces premium vodka
2 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur or crème de cocoa
1 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur
Chocolate Espresso Martini
1/2 ounces cold espresso
2 1/2 ounces premium vodka
1 1/2 ounces Kahlua or Sabrosa coffee liqueur
1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur or crème de cocoa For all of these recipes, pour all the listed ingredients into cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into an ice chilled martini glass and enjoy.
 For the perfect chocolate martini glass, click here.
About the Author: Jim Walters is the co-founder of The Merry Chocoholic and resident food and beverage connoisseur.
BACK TO PARTY IDEAS & ARTICLES
|
|
