Chocolate Cocktails Are The Festive Drink Of 2024

Both chocolate and cocktails have long been associated with the festive season. But this winter we’re seeing a surge in drinks that mesh the two together – from vodka-laced hot cocoa to chocolate orange negronis. And what could be better than pudding-style tipples that make you a little merrier this Christmas?

Winter Drinks Trend: Chocolate Cocktails

Chocolate cocktails aren’t an entirely new trend. The chocolate martini, for instance, is a festive classic, usually made with an Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys), vodka and chocolate syrup. But this winter, bartenders are getting more creative with their dessert tipples, incorporating chocolate in new and exciting ways. 

Silverleaf, for example, the buzzy cocktail bar at Pan Pacific London, has created a unique white chocolate and oolong serve, while Rosewood London’s winter terrace features a roaming hot chocolate cart from 1942 Tequila.

Keen to taste one yourself? Below we share the tastiest chocolate cocktails to try in winter 2024 – plus some ideas if you’re thinking of mixing up your own at home.

Chocolate Cocktails To Try In London

Terry’s Chocolate Orange Negroni at The Umbrella Project

The Umbrella Project, which runs three bars across London including speakeasy Discount Suit Company, has introduced two new additions to their cocktail menus this winter – one being a Terry’s Chocolate Orange Negroni. This festive concoction is made with chocolate orange-infused gin, Campari, red vermouth, orange peel and cacao bitters.

TRY IT: The Umbrella Project – Cleeve Workshops, Boundary St, London E2 7JD; Discount Suit Tavern – 29A Wentworth St, London E1 7TB; The Sun Tavern – 441 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AN, theumbrellaproject.co.uk

Chocolate-Infused Old Fashioned, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

The Covent Garden branch of SUSHISAMBA has launched its Christmas courtyard, where you can enjoy a velvety Chocolate Old Fashioned made with Patrón Añejo tequila, Pineau de Charentes apéritif and a dash of Angostura and cocoa bitters. Pair with the restaurant’s famed sushi for the ultimate treat night.

TRY IT: 35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF, sushisamba.com

Hotel Chocolat Velvet Martini, Sea Containers London

Riverside hotel Sea Containers London has partnered with cacao royalty Hotel Chocolat this Christmas. Head to its festive bar The Den to try the brand’s famous hot chocolate, spiked with vodka and blended with Hotel Chocolat Velvetised Cream.

TRY IT: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD, seacontainerslondon.com

Oolong White Chocolate, Silverleaf London

Pan Pacific London’s chic cocktail bar Silverleaf has introduced a twist on the classic Snowball: a mix of whisky, salted egg yolk, oolong and white chocolate. The whisky and salted egg yolk add a unique savoury twist, balanced by the sweet white chocolate, and resulting in a creamy, festive tipple.

TRY IT: 3rd Floor, Devonshire House, 3 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4JX, panpacific.com

Break Free, Nessa’s Bar

Helmed by chef Tom Cenci, Nessa in Soho is all about playful twists on classics. This winter, bar manager Florianno Cubeddu has created a nostalgic drink inspired by After Eights, made with Baileys, cacao and mint cream.

TRY IT: 86 Brewer St, London W1F 9UB, nessasoho.com

Chocolate Orange Martini, 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

A winter pop-up has appeared on the rooftop of John Lewis on Oxford Street. There are a selection of heated igloos, where you can cosy up with a chocolate orange martini, made with Grey Goose orange vodka, creme de cacao, chocolate syrup, espresso and orange bitters.

TRY IT: 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX, 1864rooftopbar.co.uk

Which Alcohol Mixes Well With Chocolate?

Fancy whizzing up some chocolate tipples for your next festive soiree? Chocolate is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of different types of alcohol.

• Rum: A dark or spiced rum can work well when added to hot chocolate, particularly when combined with spices like cinnamon, ginger and allspice.
• Baileys: With its creamy taste and velvety texture, Baileys is a classic alcohol to pair with chocolate, often used in the aforementioned chocolate martini. 
• Amaretto: A sweet liqueur with an almond flavour, amaretto often pops up in dessert cocktails, and it works especially well in winter drinks.
• Brandy: Oaky and slightly fruity, brandy works well in chocolate cocktails. Nutty or dark chocolate will work best here.
• Whisky: Whisky and chocolate are often paired together – a peaty scotch is a great addition to a rich hot chocolate.