^[1]

^[2]When I first read that Amy at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free ^[3] was hosting Cocktails, Mocktails and Appetizers for the Holiday Food Fest ^[4], I immediately thought of our Chocolate Martinis. It’s a recipe that my husband and I worked at creating several years ago. OK. My husband actually did the work, measuring, shaking, etc. I sat on the couch, tasted them and gave them a thumbs up or thumbs down. We tried several brands and types of alcohol to arrive at this recipe. I must warn you: Though they are deliciously chocolate, this is a martini and very strong! I’m a light-weight when it comes to alcohol, and one is usually all I can handle in one night.

Chocolate Martinis

Ingredients:

Magic Shell ^[5] (optional for decorating the glass)
Ice
Dark Chocolate ice cream (The darker, richer chocolate ice creams are best for this.)
1.5 oz. Kahlua
1.5 oz.Creme de Cacao (You can use dark or clear varieties, we used the dark.)
1.5 oz. Vodka (Any will do, but we used a chocolate infused vodka for even more chocolate flavor.)

Directions:

1. ^[6]My husband begins the martini making process by preparing the Martini Glasses ^[7]. Place the glasses in the freezer (for about 30 minutes) to get them nice and frosty. Then slowly drizzle Magic Shell along the edge of the glass, so that it starts to run down the inside of the glass. It adds a little flavor to the drink, but mainly just makes it look nice. Then, place the glass back into the freezer.
2. Next, place 3 or 4 ice cubes into a Cocktail Shaker ^[8] and one scoop of ice cream. Pour in equal parts Creme de Cacao, Kahlua, and Vodka and shake vigorously. Continue shaking until the ice cream is broken up.
3. Straining out the ice, pour the martini into the prepared glass.
4. Serve quickly, while still icy cold.

Additional Notes:

• Magic shell is our favorite way to decorate the glass. However, you may want to experiment with others: Cocoa powder on the rim can be a little bitter but could be cut with powdered sugar; Chocolate syrup drizzled can get messy and doesn’t stay along the sides, but it does add a little sweetness to the drink; Powdered sugar on the rim makes a nice snowy look, but can get sticky. How about cinnamon, or cinnamon sugar? Be creative and have fun!
• We usually serve it without any other garnish. However, crushed peppermint candy sprinkled on top and a whole candy stuck on the side, as in the photo, gives it a fun holiday flavor. Try hanging a small candy cane on the side. Or, a fresh mint leaf for a summer day. None of these add much flavor to the drink. But, it does add a nice aroma to the drink.
• If you’re a real fan of peppermint, put crushed peppermint candy on the rim. And, maybe even a splash of Peppermint Schnapps.

^[9]For more Cocktails, Mocktails, and Appetizer recipes, check out the Holiday Food Fest at Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free.

I am also linking this to “What Can I Eat That’s Gluten-Free?” at The Gluten-Free Homemaker ^[10]. So, be sure to check out all of the gluten-free recipes and ideas shared at this round-up, too.