Be inspired: 6 delicious chocolate themed cocktails to make at home this Easter. 

One of my favourite things about Easter is all the chocolate, and if you are looking for inspiration to make delicious Easter cocktails, then look no further. We have everything you need to get you mixing and shaking for the holiday weekend.

Whether you are looking for creamy indulgence or a touch of dark chocolate bitterness, these recipes are perfect for enjoying a chocolate fuelled tipple.

The history of chocolate

Chocolate has a history going back over 4,000 years, when the first cacao trees were found in ancient Mesoamerica (what we now call Mexico). The cacao beans were used as currency to buy many things, including livestock and food, and it was one of the earliest known Latin American civilisations, the Olmec, who were the first to turn these plants in chocolate. The chocolate was served as a drink, a bitter liquid mixed with spices or corn puree to add extra flavour.

Why chocolate works so well in a cocktail

Chocolate is very versatille and will add flavour to your cocktail without overpowering the other ingredients. It can add a touch of indulgance or bitterness depending on your preference, as an ingredient like a liqueur or using by cocktail bitters, choclate as a garnish or as an infusion.

It is always fun to try new cocktails, so let's get started.

1. Chocolate Martini

Flavour Profile

A deliciously creamy and sweet dessert cocktail, and a variation on the espresso martini, it is made using vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur and garnished with chocolate shavings

Ingredients and Preparation Method

30 ml Vanilla Vodka (Absolut Vanilla is perfect for this)

30 ml Baileys Chocolat Luxe

Ice cubes

Chocolate shavings to garnish

Shake all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled glass, using a fine strainer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings to garnish. 

 

2. Chocolate Tequila Alexander

Flavour Profile

A variation on a Alexander cocktail, which was a popular dessert based cocktail in the early 20th century, this delicious version is rich and indulgent. made with mix of creamy chocolate liqueur, aged tequila and egg white (or egg white substitute).

Ingredients and Preparation Method

50 ml Añejo tequila (we like it with Don Julio Anejo Tequila) 

50 ml chocolate liqueur (with Mozart liqueurs, you can choose creamy or dark chocolate).

15ml pasteurised egg white or 3 dashes Fee Brothers Fee Foam 

Ice cubes

Chocolate to  garnish

Shake all ingredients together in a cockctail shaker with ice. Strain back into the shaker and dry shake (without ice) stain into a chilled glass, using a fine strainer. Rest a skewered chocolate cube on the edge of the glass to garnish. 

 

3. Chocolate Negroni

Flavour Profile

A variation of the classic Negroni cocktail, and made with gin, the cacao adds a boost to the familiar bitter orange notes - the perfect combination. For this recipe we are using the Doragrossa range from Italy.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

25 ml Doragrossa Selezioni London Dry Gin 

25 ml Doragrossa Selezioni Vermouth Rosso

25ml Doragrossa Selezioni Bitter

6ml De Kuyper Crème de Cacao White

4 to 6 drops (to taste) Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

Ice cubes

Orange to garnish

Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir all the ingredients together. Strain into a chilled glass containing one large ice block, and add orange zest, or sliced orange to garnish.

 

4. Manhattan

Flavour Profile

One of my new favourites, this classic, spirit-forward and aromatic cocktail is made using bourbon or rye whisky, sweet vermouth, dark Crème de Cacao, maraschino liqueur and chocolate bitters.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

50 ml Rye Whisky (try it with the sustainable) Arbikie Highland Rye Single Grain

37.5 ml Rosso Vermouth (also sustainable is the Discarded Sweet Cascara Vermouth)

10 ml dark Crème de Cacao

10 ml Luxardo Maraschino Originale

4 to 6 drops (to taste) Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

Ice cubes

Square of dark chocolate to garnish

Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir all the ingredients together. Strain into a chilled glass cocktail glass and serve a square of dark chocolate 80% cacao on the side.

 

5. Chocolate Orange Italian Spritz

Flavour Profile

A deliciously fruity variation of the Aperol Spritz. The chocolate bitters, make for the perfect flavour pairing with both the bitter orange and fruity orange flavours..

Ingredients and Preparation Method

50 ml 50ml Aperol

4 to 6 drops (to taste) Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters 

275ml Fentimans Mandarin & Seville Orange Jigger

Ice cubes

Chocolate to garnish

Add ice to a large wine glass and pour in the Aperol and Chocolate Bitters. Top up with Fentimans Mandarin & Seville Orange Jigger and stir. Garnish with chocolate, ideally a segment of Terry's Chocolate Orange or with a square of orange infused dark chocolate.

 

6. Bunny Mary

Flavour Profile

A variation on the brunch cocktail favourite, a Bloody Mary, the Bunny Mary substitues carrot juice for tomato juice. There is lemon juice, honey and a splash of caper brine to balance the flavours in this savoury cocktail.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

Pimento salt to rim the glass (teaspoon smoked sweet paprika, teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper)

50 ml Vodka - a smooth, premium vodka like Ciroc works well. If you like a chilli kick add 30ml Arbikie Chilli Vodka instead.

90 ml Carrot juice

15 ml Lemon juice

15 ml Monin Honey Syrup

Teaspoon caper brine

Ice cubes

Sprig of parsley to garnish

Coat the rim of a tall glass with the piminto salt and fill with ice. Add all the ingredients to the class and stir until mixed and chilled. Add a few more ice cubes if needed. Garnish with a sprif of parsley, to give more carrot vibes. 

Okay, this cocktail doesn't contain chocolate, but it's still delicious.

 

Of course, you can enjoy these Easter Cocktails at any time of the year, but making themed drinks is a fun way to experiment with new flavours. Cheers to exploring the delightful world of mixology!

 

How to Make the Perfect Cocktail at Home

Choose the Right Spirits

Selecting the appropriate spirit is crucial, as it forms the backbone of your cocktail. Whilst we have given suggestions, experiment with different brands and types to find the one that best suits your personal taste.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always opt for fresh juices and garnishes where possible to elevate the flavour of your cocktail. 

Measure Accurately

Use a jigger or measuring cup to ensure the correct proportions, maintaining the balance and integrity of the drink.

Ice Matters

Use a generous amount of ice when shaking or stirring to chill the cocktail properly without overly diluting it.

Garnish Wisely

A thoughtful Garnish can enhance both the presentation and the taste of your cocktail.

Experiment and Enjoy

The beauty of mixology lies in experimentation. Feel free to tweak recipes and try new combinations to create your signature cocktail.

Conclusion

Armed with these tips and the recipes for these chocolate themed Easter cocktails, you're well on your way to becoming a home mixology master. 

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner mixologist, and enjoy the delicious world of chocolate cocktails. Cheers to your mixology adventures from Ginfling.nl!