Espresso Martini Valentine’s Chocolate Shot

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in something playful, romantic, and just a little bit decadent. Instead of the usual chocolates or cocktails, why not combine the two? This Espresso Martini Valentine’s Chocolate Shot is part dessert, part cocktail, and completely irresistible. Served inside Lang’s Chocolates dessert cups and rimmed with sprinkles, this treat is designed for sharing love, laughter, and a little buzz.

Not only is this a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone, but it’s also an instant crowd-pleaser for parties. And the best part? By swapping out the sprinkle colors, you can adapt this recipe for any holiday or celebration throughout the year.

Ingredients & Why We Use Them

• 1 oz fresh espresso
  Espresso gives this cocktail its bold, rich coffee flavor and energizing kick. It balances the sweetness of the liqueurs while adding depth, making each sip feel sophisticated.

• 2 oz vodka
  Vodka is the backbone of the cocktail—it adds a smooth, clean spirit base without overpowering the flavors of coffee and cream.

• 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  This brings a creamy, velvety sweetness to the mix. The Irish cream softens the strong notes of espresso and vodka, tying everything together into a silky dessert-like drink.

• Lang’s Chocolates dessert cups
  Instead of a boring shot glass, these edible chocolate cups double as both vessel and dessert. They add a luxurious chocolate bite at the end, making the whole experience more indulgent.

• Melted chocolate or chocolate syrup
  This is used to “glue” the sprinkles to the rim of the chocolate cups. It also adds another layer of chocolate richness.

• Pink and white sprinkles
  The sprinkles add festive Valentine’s Day flair while providing a little crunch. They also make the presentation pop, turning a simple shooter into a party centerpiece.

Directions

1. Mix the cocktail
   In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the espresso, vodka, and Irish cream liqueur. Shake vigorously until chilled and well blended. Set aside.

2. Prepare the dessert cups
   Place melted chocolate or chocolate syrup in a shallow dish. Place your sprinkles in another dish wide enough to dip the chocolate cups into.

3. Decorate the rims
   Invert each Lang’s Chocolates dessert cup and dip the rim into the melted chocolate. Quickly dip it into the sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Place the cups upright on a serving tray.

4. Fill the cups
   Pour the shaken martini mixture into a squeeze bottle for easy pouring. Fill each dessert cup carefully to avoid spills.

5. Serve and enjoy
   Arrange on a tray and serve to your sweetheart or guests. These edible shots will hold beautifully for several hours, making them perfect for parties.

Tips & Variations

• Make it holiday-ready: Use green and red sprinkles for Christmas, gold for New Year’s, or pastels for Easter.

• Add whipped cream: A small dollop of whipped cream on top adds extra indulgence.

• Non-alcoholic version: Swap vodka and Irish cream for coffee-flavored syrup and heavy cream for a kid-friendly treat.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the decorated cups ahead of time and even premix the cocktail. Just fill the cups shortly before serving for the best presentation.

Q: Will the dessert cups melt with liquid inside?
No—Lang’s Chocolates dessert cups are sturdy and designed to hold liquids for hours without leaking or collapsing.

Q: Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?
You can, but espresso provides a more concentrated flavor and less water, which keeps the cocktail bold instead of watered down.

Q: What other drinks can I serve in Lang’s Chocolates dessert cups?
They’re versatile—try hot chocolate shots, fruit liqueurs, mousse, or even mini ice cream sundaes.

Q: Do I need to use a squeeze bottle?
It’s not required, but it makes filling the cups much cleaner and ensures you don’t overfill them.

Q: What kind of vodka works best?
A smooth, mid-shelf vodka is perfect. Since it’s being mixed with strong flavors, there’s no need to splurge on top-shelf brands.