espresso martini hot chocolate
Boozy and cozy. The way I like it best.
Happy aftermath, good people! I hope you had the loveliest, happiest, most chaotic in a positive sense holiday, and if not, I hope you find gentle comfort the rest of the week and into the weekend. Perhaps with a mug of our Espresso Martini Hot Chocolate in hand.
Our weather next week is going to drop substantially, and since the holidays aren’t quite over yet either, I figured a nice, warm, comforting drink spiked with the classic and well-loved flavors of a dessert cocktail was the right path to take for the end of 2025.
I love this hot cocoa rendition possibly the most of any I’ve done so far, and I honestly love them all. It’s fun, loaded up with goodies like vanilla vodka, espresso, and plenty of chocolate, and is sure to please as you and your guests wake up over the weekend and ready yourselves to resume daily life. A bummer, sure, but cocoa certainly helps take the edge off.
Espresso Yourself
First of all, a moment for these mugs. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go on sale after the holiday so snatch one of up while you can, as they are SO cute!
Okay, onto the cocoa. First order of business is making your actual chocolate mixture. I always use whole milk or soy milk depending on vibes, but you can opt for whatever variety you wish.
Measure your milk into a saucepan along with some cocoa powder. Heat on medium-low until steaming, then switch off your burner and stir in some chopped dark chocolate. Semi-sweet is good, too. Whisk frequently for about 5 minutes until the chocolate melts, then stir in some vanilla extract.
Next, pull a shot of espresso (or, use 1/4 cup of strong hot brewed coffee) and add to your mug along with vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and a touch of simple syrup. Use the sweetener to taste, I just usually don’t need much.
Give your cocoa a little stir, then plop on an assload of whipped cream, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings or jimmies or whatever you like to garnish with, and sip it back slowly. Be sure to wear your Christmas pjs from Thursday and a pair of soft socks. Imperative to the experience.
Here’s to a slow and fulfilling weekend, soothing recovery from the holidays, and a seamless transition into the new year. We’ve a few days left of 2025, so might as well enjoy them as best we can.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Hot cocoa bar:
Strawberry White Hot Chocolate
Molten Tahini Coconut Hot Chocolate
espresso martini hot chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz espresso
- 1/2 oz kahlua
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- whipped cream and chocolate curls, to garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and cocoa powder until steaming, then turn off the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate. Warm for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chocolate melts. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In your favorite festive mug, combine the vodka, espresso, Kahlua, and simple syrup. Pour in the hot chocolate and whisk to combine.
- Top your mug with whipped cream and chocolate curls, and lots of each!
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