Jump to my Limoncello Spritz Recipe

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What is a Spritz?

Officially a spritz is an Italian cocktail made with Prosecco, bitters, and sparkling water. Many times a spritz is an aperitif, meant to be drunk prior to a meal, and has a lower alcohol content. The most popular spritz in recent years has been an Aperol Spritz (check out my mocktail version), but Limoncello Sprtizes have also become mainstream for those looking for something less bitter.

While lemon leans more sour rather than bitter, these days any alcoholic beverage lightened up with soda water is typically considered a spritz.

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur digestif, made with lemons, sugar, and alcohol and aged for several weeks. It is strong and is meant to be sipped, and served ice cold. What’s so interesting about a limoncello spritz is that a spritz is generally an aperitif, and limoncello is generally a digestif, so here you have the best of both worlds and I say drink it whenever you’d like!

I don’t tend to buy specialty liquors, I rarely go through an entire bottle, so I’ve created this recipe using lemons, sugar, and alcohol. Does this sound familiar to Limoncello ingredients? I much prefer this method because I can control how sweet the limoncello is and the quality of the alcohol.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Limoncello Spritz?

• Fine-Mesh Strainer | This will be needed to strain the lemon peel from the simple syrup. If you don’t already have a sieve, I love this set of three in different sizes.
• Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.
• Glass Bottle | This recipe will be 4 oz of simple syrup. If you don’t use it all for cocktails now store the remaining in a glass bottle in the fridge. It should last one to two weeks.

Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

LEMON VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large lemons
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

LIMONCELLO (INSPIRED) SPRITZ

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz sparkling water
• 1 lemon (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add ½ cup of lemon juice from 3 large lemons and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the vanilla and peel from the 3 lemons and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature which will take about 25 minutes.
4. Once the syrup has cooled, place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl (I like to use this measuring cup since it has a spout) and pour the syrup through leaving the lemon peel in the sieve.
5. Add ice to a glass with vodka, simple syrup, and Prosecco
6. Top with sparkling water and throw in some lemon slices for a garnish
7. Enjoy!

More Refreshing Cocktails:

Limoncello Martini

Banana Old Fashioned Recipe

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Jump to my Key Lime Martini Recipe

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Key Lime Simple Syrup

A LOT of Very Obsessed cocktails use infused simple syrup because they are easy to make, what isn’t used can be stored, and adds a ton of flavor. There is a depth of flavor that fruit-infused simple syrup adds to the drink that is different than fresh juice.

Since it can be very hard to capture citrus flavoring I’ve replaced the usual water in this simple syrup recipe with lime juice and the vanilla adds extra depth. This recipe makes enough for 2 cocktails, but if you have extra lime juice it’s easy to double or triple batch this and store it in an airtight glass bottle in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Key Lime Martini?

• Zester | Combining the zest of the lime with granulated sugar makes an excellent rim.
• Coupe Glasses | These glasses are great for martinis and Champagne.
• Cocktail Shaker | I have this one because it’s got a clean design, a built-in strainer, and doesn’t leak

Key Lime Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

KEY LIME SIMPLE SYRUP:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup key lime juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

KEY LIME MARTINI:

• 2 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• 2 oz key lime simple syrup
• ½ key lime (regular lime if not available), for rim
• Granulated sugar, for rim

Directions

1. Add ½ cup of key lime juice and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the vanilla and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature which will take about 25 minutes.
4. To rim the glass, zest key lime peel and mix with granulated sugar. Rub the lime on half the rim of the glass and roll in the lime and sugar mixture.
5. Fill the martini shaker halfway with ice, and add vodka and the key lime simple syrup.
6. Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds or until you get a little foam and pour it into a glass, straining the ice.
7. Enjoy!

Tip: If Key Limes are in season you can substitute fresh key lime juice for bottled. Adding peel to the simple syrup at the same time as the vanilla will enhance the flavor, but make sure only to use the peel, not the white pith as it can be bitter and may alter the flavor.

More Summer Fruit Martini Recipes:

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Jump to my Limoncello Martini Recipe

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Lemon Vanilla Simple Syrup

I am a huge fan of simple syrup. It’s so easy to make, and since the sugar has become a liquid during the process you never have to work about it dissolving or feeling sandy. Once you start infusing the simple syrup with other flavors there is no limit to what you can make.

When I made my gluten-free lemon loaf I realized how tricky it can be to infuse lemon flavor. For this recipe, instead of using sugar and water, I’ve replaced the water with lemon juice and the vanilla adds extra depth. This recipe makes enough for 2 cocktails, but if you have extra lemons leftover it’s easy to double or triple batch this and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. It’s perfect for smoothies, mixed with sparkling water, or added to an afternoon tea!

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Limoncello Martini?

• Zester | Combining the zest of the lemon peel with granulated sugar makes an excellent rim.
• Coupe Glasses | These glasses are great for martinis and Champagne.
• Cocktail Shaker | I have this one because it’s got a clean design, a built-in strainer, and doesn’t leak
• Fine-Mesh Strainer | This will be needed to strain the lemon peel from the simple syrup. If you don’t already have a sieve, I love this set of three in different sizes.

Limoncello Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

LEMON VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large lemons
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

LIMONCELLO MARTINI:

• 2 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• 2 oz lemon vanilla simple syrup
• ½ large lemon
• Granulated sugar, for garnish

Directions

1. Add ½ cup of lemon juice from 3 large lemons and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the vanilla and peel from the 3 lemons and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature which will take about 25 minutes.
4. Zest lemon peel and mix with granulated sugar. Rub the lemon on half the rim of the glass and roll in the lemon sugar mixture.
5. Once the syrup has cooled, place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl (I like to use this measuring cup since it has a spout) and pour the syrup through leaving the lemon peel in the sieve.
6. Fill the martini shaker halfway with ice, and add vodka, juice from ½ large lemon, and the lemon vanilla simple syrup.
7. Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds or until you get a little foam and pour it into a glass, straining the ice.
8. Enjoy!

Tip: Make sure only to use the peel, not the white pith, of the lemon in the simple syrup. The pith can be bitter and may alter the flavor of the lemon vanilla simple syrup.

More Fruit Martini Recipes:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Cranberry Bliss Cocktail Recipe

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Ingredients Needed to Make Cranberry Bliss Cocktail

• Orange Liqueur – Like any good Cosmo recipe, we’ll use Cointreau.
• Vodka – I’m a Grey Goose girl, but use any brand you prefer.
• Cranberry Juice – No added sugar, just straight-up juice. It’s like a vodka cranberry with a few extra bells and whistles.
• Orange – We only need an ounce of orange juice so it’s easiest to juice an orange. If you have orange juice already, feel free to use that.
• Granulated Sugar – It’s the only ingredient in the simple syrup, will be used to sugar the cranberry garnish, and as a finishing touch to the rim.
• Cranberries – If you haven’t had sugared cranberries they are quite the tart/sweet treat and pop in your mouth like nature’s candy.
• White Chocolate – I used melted white chocolate chips for the rim because that’s what I had, but when it cools it hardens. I found myself taking a drink, and then a little nibble of the chocolate. White chocolate syrup might work too, but since I haven’t tried it I can’t vouch if it will hold to the rim or drip.

What Tools Do You Need to Make Cranberry Bliss Cocktail?

• Glass Bottle | – You’ll only use about a tablespoon of the simple syrup for the sugared cranberries so you’ll want to store the rest in the fridge. This can last a couple of weeks but use your judgment. If mine starts to get cloudy I toss it.
• Martini Shaker | I have this one because it’s got a clean design, a built-in strainer, and doesn’t leak.
• Cocktail Picks | To use with the garnish.

Cranberry Bliss Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

For the Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar

For the Cocktail

• 1½ oz orange liqueur (I prefer Cointreau)
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice (pure cranberry, no sugar added)
• 1 orange 
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided (for cranberry garnish and white chocolate rim)
• 3 cranberries (for garnish)
• White chocolate chips(for the rim)

Directions

1. Make the simple syrup by adding 1 cup of water to a saucepan with the sugar, and bring it to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, being careful not to burn.
3. Dip half of the rim of a glass in melted white chocolate, then sugar, and allow to cool.
4. Juice the orange.
5. Add ice to a martini shaker, along with the first 3 ingredients and 1 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice.
6. Shake until very cold with a light foam on the top, about 12 seconds.
7. Pour into the glass, draining the ice.
8. Dip the cranberries into simple sugar and sprinkle with granulated sugar to make sugared cranberries. Put them on a cocktail pick, and add them to the glass as a garnish (optional).
9. Enjoy!

 Tip: You’ll make about 8 oz of simple syrup. The remainder can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. If you already have simple syrup, no need to make more and can omit step 1.

More Winter Cocktails:

Warm Mulled Wine

Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet

White Holiday Sangria

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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Jump to my S’mores Martini Recipe

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Toasted Simple Syrup

If you’ve tried my recipes before you know I’m big on making different flavors of simple syrups, and not big on using flavored vodka. When I set out to develop this recipe I wasn’t sure how I was going to infuse marshmallow flavor into the cocktail, but somehow toasting the sugar gives the essence of marshmallow. It’s subtle, but it’s there.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a S’mores Martini?

• Glass Bottle | If you don’t use the full 8 oz of simple syrup you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Coupe Glasses | These glasses are great for martinis and Champagne
• Cocktail Shaker | I have this one because it’s got a clean design, a built-in strainer, and doesn’t leak
• Fine-Mesh Strainer | This will be needed to strain the graham cracker from the milk. If you don’t already have a sieve, I love this set of three in different sizes..

S’mores Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

TOASTED SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

GRAHAM CRACKER MILK:

• ¾ cup milk or milk alternative (I use almond milk)
• 4 graham crackers (1 sheet)

S’MORES MARTINI:

• 1 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• 1 oz toasted simple syrup
• 2 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz graham cracker-infused milk
• 3 marshmallows (for garnish, optional)

RIM (OPTIONAL):

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 square grated chocolate
• 1 crushed graham cracker
• 1 tsp tasted simple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. While the oven is preheating, add milk to the saucepan and heat slightly.
3. Once the milk is warm, add graham crackers and remove from heat.
4. Allow milk to soak for 15 minutes
5. Once the oven has reached 300°F, put sugar in a ramekin and toast for 35 minutes.
6. While the sugar is toasting, strain the milk through a mesh strainer removing all the graham cracker solids.
7. When sugar is done toasting, add 1 cup of water and the toasted sugar to a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.
8. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature; this will take about 25 minutes.
9. Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice.
10. Add vodka, simple syrup, chocolate liqueur, and almond milk to the shaker.
11. Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds (you’ll know you shook it enough if there is a small layer of foam when pouring)
12. Optional rim: dip the rim in simple syrup to dampen it and then roll in cinnamon sugar grated chocolate crushed graham cracker mix; I do this step while the simple syrup is cooling
13. Strain ice, and pour it into a glass.
14. Add marshmallows to a martini pick and toast over a gas stove or using a kitchen torch (be careful).
15. Enjoy!

More Fall Cocktail Recipes:

• Warm Spiked Apple Cider
• Apple Cider Donut Martini
• Dirty Chai Martini

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Dirty Chai Martini Recipe

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What is a Dirty Chai Made of?

The traditional dirty chai does not have alcohol. It’s simply a chai latte (chai tea and milk) with a shot of espresso (and is delicious)! Rumor has it that it’s called dirty because the espresso dirties the color of the chai latte.

Chai Simple Syrup

Infusing a basic simple syrup with chai tea is the key to making this martini recipe easy. The recipe makes 8 oz of chai simple syrup and you’ll only use 1 oz for the cocktail which means you’ll have plenty left the next time you want to whip up a dirty chai martini (no boiling water to make tea again). Aside from using it in the martini, the syrup is great in a regular dirty chai latte, as an ice cream topping, to sweeten oatmeal, or anything else you’d like.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Dirty Chai Martini?

• Glass Bottle | If you don’t use the full 8 oz of simple syrup you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Coupe Glasses | These glasses are great for martinis and Champagne
• Cocktail Shaker | I have this one because it’s got a clean design, built-in strainer, and doesn’t leak
• Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.

Dirty Chai Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

FOR THE CHAI SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 chai tea bags

FOR THE DIRTY CHAI MARTINI:

• 1 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• 2 oz unsweetened extra bold cold brew
• 1 oz chai simple syrup
• 1 oz almond milk
• 2 tbls granulated sugar (for rim, optional)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rim, optional)

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and chai tea bags to a saucepan and bring to a boil
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the tea bags steep for 10 minutes
3. Remove tea bags and let the syrup cool to room temperature; this will take about 15 additional minutes
4. Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice
5. Add vodka, cold brew, simple syrup, and almond milk
6. Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds (you’ll know you shook it enough if there is a small layer of foam when pouring)
7. Strain ice, pour it into a glass, and enjoy!
8. Optional cinnamon sugar rim: dip a quarter of the rim in simple syrup to dampen and then roll in cinnamon sugar; I do this step while the simple syrup is cooling

More Fall Cocktail Recipes:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Blackberry Lime Cocktail Recipe

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Blackberry Simple Syrup

Fruit-infused simple syrups are easy to make, add a ton of flavor, and can be stored in the fridge to use at a later day. Aside from this cocktail try adding it to sparkling water, in a smoothie, to sweeten oatmeal, honestly, the options are endless.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Blackberry Lime Cocktail?

• Fine Mesh Strainer | You’ll need a mesh strainer to make the blackberry simple syrup to remove the seeds.
• Glass Bottle | This recipe makes almost two cups of simple syrup so if you don’t use it all you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Drinking Glasses | I try to have multi-use things since space is limited in my apartment. These glasses aren’t just great for cocktails, they are my everyday water glasses too! Inexpensive, 17oz, with a clean design.
• Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.
• Large Ice Cube Mold | The larger the ice cube, the slower it will melt and water down the drink

Blackberry Lime Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

FOR THE BLACKBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup blackberries

FOR THE BLACKBERRY LIME COCKTAIL:

• 2 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• ½ oz homemade blackberry simple syrup
• 6 oz sparkling water (Topo Chico is my fave)
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Blackberries and lime (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add 8 oz of water, blackberries, and granulated sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil
2. Once the sugar has dissolved turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature; this will take about 25 minutes
3. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl (I like to use this measuring cup since it has a spout) and pour the syrup through
4. Fill the glass halfway with ice
5. Add vodka and blackberry simple syrup, and top with sparkling water
6. Garnish with blackberries and lime
7. Stir and enjoy!

More Cocktail Recipes:

Key Lime Martini Recipe

Limoncello Martini Recipe

Strawberries and Cream Martini

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Orange Creamsicle Martini Recipe

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Orange Vanilla Simple Syrup

The key to the warm comforting depth of the recipe that traditionally comes from cream is the homemade orange vanilla simple syrup. You’ll get about one cup of syrup from this recipe and it can be stored in a glass bottle in the fridge for about a month. Like my strawberry simple syrup, this can be used in a variety of ways, add it to sparkling water, tea, or oatmeal, honestly, the options are endless.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Creamsicle Martini

• Orange Juice – Whether you like pulp or pulp-free is up to you, but I recommend pulp-free if you don’t want to be chewing your cocktail. Make sure to get 100% juice with no additional sweeteners since the cocktail will be sweetened with the orange vanilla simple syrup.
• Non-Dairy Creamer – There are so many options when it comes to non-dairy creamer so use what works best for you. After sampling many, I found this to be the most neutral (meaning it didn’t add a nutty or oat flavor). I like it to be vanilla or “cream” flavored but unsweetened since we’ll get that from the simple syrup.

What Tools Do You Need to Make an Orange Creamsicle Martini?

• Fine Mesh Strainer | You’ll need a mesh strainer to make the orange simple syrup since part of the pith may detach. If you don’t already have one this long handle version is useful.
• Glass Bottle | This recipe makes a little over a cup of simple syrup so if you don’t use it all you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Cocktail Shaker | I love this shaker for its simplistic design, built-in shaker, and that it doesn’t leak
• Coupe Glasses | Since I live in the city and don’t have a ton of storage space, these glasses are perfect for both martinis and champagne
• Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.

Orange Creamsicle Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

FOR THE ORANGE VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 navel oranges
• ½ tablespoon vanilla

FOR THE CREAMSICLE MARTINI:

• 4 oz orange juice (no sugar added)
• 2 oz vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
• 2 oz non-dairy creamer
• ½ oz orange vanilla simple syrup
• orange slice (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add 8 oz of water, the orange peel from 2 oranges, and the granulated sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil
2. Once the sugar has dissolved add the vanilla and stir, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature; this will take about 25 minutes
3. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl (I like to use this measuring cup since it has a spout) and pour the syrup through leaving any orange bits in the sieve
4. Fill martini shaker halfway with ice
5. Add orange juice, vodka, non-dairy creamer, and vanilla simple syrup
6. Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds or until you get a little foam and pour it into a glass
7. Garnish with an orange slice

Tips:

• You can easily make this a non-alcoholic Orange Creamsicle by omitting the vodka, you won’t be missing any flavor
• If you aren’t dairy-free, feel free to sub the non-dairy creamer for half and half and the drink will be even more creamy

More Summer Cocktail Recipes:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Elderflower Gimlet Recipe

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What is a Gimlet Cocktail?

A gimlet is a classic cocktail, typically served in a martini glass, made with gin and lime juice. Just like a martini where many people prefer vodka over gin, a gimlet is often requested to be made with vodka as a gin substitution. Another common substitution many make, as I have here, is to use fresh lime juice instead of Rose’s Sweetened Lime juice. Rose’s is just a tad too sweet, and I don’t really need high fructose corn syrup in my cocktails if I can help it.

What is Elderflower Liqueur?

Elderflower liqueur is made from the flowers of the elderflower bush. But that doesn’t tell you much if you’ve never seen, smelled, or tasted an elderflower bush. The liqueur has a subtle floral taste, like when you have a dessert that has the slightest hint of rose. Although there is no fruit in the liquor, it has a delicate fruit essence. Because of this, it’s an ingredient in many Lychee Martini recipes.

Aside from the beautiful flavor, elderflower liqueur makes for a great addition to a gimlet since it’s slightly sweet. Since we won’t be using Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice, this is what will offset some of the tartness from the fresh lime juice.

My favorite brand of elderflower liqueur is St. Germain, a french brand that launched in 2007 but due to its high quality and the beautiful bottle, it has skyrocketed to popularity. The bottle will look stunning on your bar.

Gimlet Variations

As mentioned earlier, the traditional gimlet is made with gin, so just swapping the gin for vodka is a variation, one I typically make.

The French Gimlet is a popular variation and is gin, lime, and elderflower liqueur. So essentially the recipe below but with the gin/vodka swap.

The Strawberry Vodka Gimlet uses homemade strawberry simple syrup to sweeten the gimlet since it also uses fresh lime.

What do You Need to Make an Elderflower Gimlet?

• Cocktail Shaker | I love this shaker for its simplistic design, built-in shaker, and that it doesn’t leak
• Coupe Glasses | These are the glasses I use for both martinis and champagne

Elderflower Gimlet Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Elderflower Liquor
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice

Directions

1. Place ice in a cocktail shaker
2. Add vodka, elderflower, and lime;
3. Shake until ice cold
4. Pour into a glass, straining ice

 More Vodka Cocktails to Enjoy:

• Raspberry Lime Cocktail
• Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
• Apple Cider Donut Martini

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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While I don’t love overly sweet things (and cherry cordials are very sweet) I do like one or two chocolate-covered cherries a year. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s because things are more special when you have them infrequently. Either way, this chocolate covered cherry martini is fun and festive and reminds me of Christmas (although it’s great any time of the year and would be perfect for Valentine’s Day too!)

Jump straight to my Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Recipe

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Recommended Tools to Make a Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini

• Cocktail Shaker | I like a shaker with a built-in strainer. After having one that leaked for years, I love the simplicity of this one.
• Coupe Glasses | My favorite glasses for martinis and champagne
• Glass Bottle | This recipe makes a little over a cup of cherry vanilla simple syrup so if you don’t use it all you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Fine Mesh Sieve | Since the syrup is made with real cherries, you’ll want to finely strain it to remove any cherry pieces
• Muddler | You can use a fork or potato masher to break up the cherries in the simple syrup, but I like using a muddler (and every well-stocked bar should probably have one anyway).

Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

Cherry Simple Syrup

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Cocktail

• 1 tbsp premium vanilla extract
• 2 oz chocolate liqueur (I use Godiva)
• 1 oz amaretto (I use Disaronno)
• 1 oz vodka (I use Grey Goose)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• chocolate flakes (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water and the first three ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat and simmer for 10 minutes
2. While simmering, mash cherries with a muddler or the back of a fork
3. After simmering turn off the heat, and let cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes
4. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove cherry bits, and pour into a glass bottle to store
5. Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice
6. Add chocolate liqueur, amaretto, vodka and 1 oz of the cherry vanilla simple syrup
7. Shake vigorously and pour into the glass
8. Garnish with maraschino cherries

Tip:

• If you want to add the chocolate flakes to the rim, dip the rim in the simple syrup first, then dip in chocolate flakes (I buy a semi-sweet baking bar and chop with a knife)
• The colder the better when it comes to martinis so shake that shaker until your hands feel pretty cold

More Holiday Cocktails:

Warm Spiked Apple Cider

Toasted Marshmallow S’Mores Martini

Holiday White Sangria

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The post Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Recipe appeared first on Very Obsessed.