One for the chocoholics and caffeine fiends, the Mocha Martini makes a delicious first impression.
About the cocktail
How many times have you had an Espresso Martini and wished there was a sprinkling of chocolate in it? Often? Us too. Luckily, our bestie Jessica Nguyen has come in with the goods. Introducing the Mocha Martini, our newest collaboration with the home cook and Instagram superstar. It’s the chocolatey sister of the popular Espresso Martini and a real win for all the chocoholics out there. If you’re not familiar with our pal Jess, she’s a celebrated food creative who loves a table spread and home soiree as much as we do. In the past, she’s joined us for countless creations, sharing her intel on everything from how to throw a Mexican fiesta to whipping up the perfect Pasta alla Vodka. Recently, we sat down for a big chat about her favourite Melbourne bars to chill out in when she’s not being the hostess with the mostest. “Honestly, there are too many places I love hanging out in the city – Melbourne has so much to offer,” Jess says. Back to our indulgent Mocha Martini. When is the right time and place to serve such a decadent cocktail? “This would be the perfect addition to a full Easter spread. The Mocha Martini could even act as the dessert – or an addition for those unwilling to give up a full dessert!” The Mocha Martini is a slightly thicker drink than its Espresso Martini counterpart, but just as delectable. With notes of vanilla complemented by the slight bitterness of coffee and sweetness of the chocolate, it's the ideal after-hours sipper. It could even replace your affogato order. “It's a best-of-both-worlds cocktail,” Jess says. “It's an Espresso Martini masquerading as a mocha.” Of course, if you want something even thicker and more indulgent, you could always try the Tiramisu Martini, which dials it up even further with mascarpone and whipped cream. If you’re a sweet tooth, devoted mocha drinker, or just love a choccy now and then, have a go at making the Jessica Nguyen-approved Mocha Martini.
Watch: How to make a Mocha Martini
Ingredients
30mL vodka 30mL fresh espresso 15ml coffee liqueur 15mL white cacao liqueur Garnish: sugar syrup and shaved chocolate for the glass rim
Method
Lightly line the rim of a Martini glass with sugar syrup, then dip it into the shaved chocolate to coat. Pop the glass in the freezer while you prepare the cocktail to chill it down and keep the chocolate in place Add all remaining ingredients, plus a handful of ice, to a cocktail shaker and shake well Remove the prepared glass from the freezer and use a fine strainer to pour the cocktail into the glass, being careful not to touch the chocolate rim
Jess’s top tips
There’s not much that can go wrong when making this drink at home – it's pretty much up to your tastes. If you like something a tad more chocolatey, add more liqueur – play with the measurements as much as you want. It’s a cocktail that really doesn’t take itself too seriously. In other words, it’s just a bit of fun. Besides that, if you want the brilliant foamy top of an Espresso Martini on your Mocha Martini, Jess has some advice. “Use your beans and coffee machine at home to make the espresso.” And of course, remember to give it a good shake for that frothy, creamy top. As Jess says, the last thing to do is “find your best martini or coupe glasses to serve this fun cocktail in.” Et voila! Dessert and your cocktail is served. For more cocktails with the fabulous Jess, check out her Pornstar Martini, Pavlova Punch, Lychee Soju Mojito, and Ladies’ Lunch Punch.






