Batched Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Martinis for a Crowd
Batched Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Martinis for a Crowd
If I’m having friends over, I want a cocktail that feels a little special without keeping me behind the bar all night. These batched chocolate hazelnut espresso martinis are exactly that: rich coffee, chocolate, and hazelnut in one creamy drink that’s ready when everyone arrives. If you love dessert cocktails as much as I do, you might also like my Pumpkin Tiramisu Cocktail, Salted Pumpkin Mocha Espresso Martini, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Espresso Martini.
I especially love making this batch for a cozy fall dinner or a holiday party. The chocolate hazelnut rim makes each glass look beautiful, while the espresso gives the drink that bold coffee flavor I want in an espresso martini. Set out a few chilled glasses, and guests can have a cocktail in minutes.
for a single serving click here
Why I Love Making Espresso Martinis in a Batch
Mixing espresso martinis one at a time is fun for a small group, but it gets old quickly when you’re hosting. With this version, I combine the cocktail ahead of time and keep it cold until I’m ready to serve. I rim the glasses before guests arrive, too, so the finishing touches are easy.
For the prettiest creamy top, I still shake individual servings briefly with ice before pouring. That little step makes the cocktails look and feel like freshly made espresso martinis, without measuring every ingredient for every guest.
A Chocolate Hazelnut Cocktail for Fall Gatherings
This is the drink I’d bring out after dinner with a dessert board, brownies, or something chocolatey. The hazelnut flavor makes it feel cozy, and the coffee keeps it from tasting overly sweet. It’s lovely for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, or any evening when you want a make-ahead cocktail that feels like a treat.
If you’re putting together a full fall drink menu, my Pumpkin Spice Mudslide Punch is another creamy option for a crowd.
My Make-Ahead Tip
Brew the espresso and let it cool completely before mixing the batch. Chill the cocktail mixture in the refrigerator, then give it a good stir before serving. Keep the chocolate and hazelnut garnish on the glasses rather than in the dispenser, so each serving stays neat and easy to pour.
for a single serving click here
for a single serving click here
Ingredients
15 oz vanilla vodka
10 oz coffee liqueur
10 oz cooled espresso
7 1/2 oz hazelnut liqueur
5 oz chocolate liqueur
5 oz half and half
chocolate syrup, chocolate bits and espresso beans for garnishing the glasses
Directions
- Brew the espresso and let it cool completely.
- In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, stir together the vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, hazelnut liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and half-and-half. Refrigerate until cold.
- Dip the rims of coupe or martini glasses in melted chocolate, then into the chopped hazelnuts. Let the rims set.
- Stir the batch well. For each cocktail, pour about 5 ounces into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
Strain into a prepared glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Repeat for the remaining servings.- Serving note: The dispenser holds the ready-to-shake batch; shaking each glass creates the foam shown in the photo.
