World Chocolate Day: Whip up these chocolate-based cocktails in no time

World Chocolate Day is celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe on July 7 every year. The versatility of the ingredient is such that it finds its presence across desserts, beverages, and a range of dishes - from sweet to savoury. Amidst the booming cocktail culture in India, it comes as no surprise that bartenders are experimenting with flavour profiles, and patrons are willing to try their concoctions with a sweet infusion. On World Chocolate Day, mixologists share their favourite chocolate-based cocktail recipes that you can whip up in no time.

Chocolate Martini

"A chocolate martini is a rich, creamy liquid dessert in a glass. The simplest versions call for only vodka and chocolate liqueur or crème de cacao to make at home and pair well with rich desserts that are not overly sweet. A rich, yet slightly tart cheesecake or a chocolate truffle with sea salt or dark chocolate brownies," explains Mihir Desai, founder of Bar Bank.

Ingredients

Baileys Irish cream 120 ml, Chocolate liquor 120 ml, Vodka 120 ml, Chocolate syrup for drizzling, Chocolate shavings (optional)

Method

1. Place two martini glasses in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes before serving.
2. Drizzle the insides of the glasses with chocolate syrup.
3. In a cocktail shaker filled one-half full with ice, combine the Bailey's, chocolate liquor, and vodka.
4. Shake all ingredients well to chill and combine.
5. Strain the mixture and divide between the two martini glasses.
6. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if you like, and serve immediately.

Espresso Chocolate Fudge with Brandy

"Espresso Chocolate Fudge is 145's take on the beloved milkshakes of your childhood, and the fudge dessert served on the side as a snack. Smoothly blended with notes of chocolate, coffee and brandy it is the perfect nostalgic taste for your palate," says Ishaan Bahl founder of 145.

Ingredients

Brandy 30 ml, Chocolate ice cream 250 gms, Espresso fudge 100 gms, Milk 100 ml, 5-6 Oreo Biscuits, Chilled espresso shot 20 ml, Whipped cream

Method

1. In a blender, combine the espresso coffee, milk, and 4 scoops of ice cream and espresso fudge.
   2. Blend until smooth.
   3. Pour the milkshake mixture into your choice of glass after drizzling it with chocolate syrup.
2. Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and chocolate cigars, fudge, and marshmallows.

Chocolate flow

"Chocolate Flow is a great cocktail that satisfies both, your alcohol and sweet cravings. It is surely one of the better cocktails made of vodka that I know," shares Shitij Harnwal, restaurant manager at Yazu, Goa.

Ingredients

Vodka 60 ml, Chocolate Monin syrup 30 ml, Fresh cream 30 ml

Method

1. Add 60 ml Vodka, 30 ml chocolate Monin syrup, and fresh cream to a shaker.
2. Mix everything with ice until well mixed.
3. Pour the prepared cocktail into the Burgundy glass, then drizzle some chocolate over the rim.

Perfect Heart Break

"This cocktail is inspired by classic hot chocolate recipe, which we have given a twist to with our cold chocolate cocktail variant. Slowly melted chocolate, mixed with milk and cream, and cacao infused vodka makes for an ideal drink for dessert lovers," says Rahul Gurav, bartender at Juliette Ristorante.

Ingredients

Chocolate vodka 60 ml, half milk and half cream 90ml, hazelnut liquor - 20 ml

For garnish
Chocolate swirl nutty bar, Maraschino cherry

Method

1. Take a hurricane glass, and add some homemade chocolate to it in a swirl motion. Keep the glass in the fridge to chill.
2. Take a shaker, and add chocolate vodka, hazelnut liquor, half milk and half cream.
3. Shake over ice and pour in the hurricane glass.
4. Garnish with nutty bar and maraschino cherry.

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