Before having kids, I often put my martini shaker to good use. After a particularly stressful day at work, I’d occasionally whip up a martini for myself, and often served them to guests. Once my life became busier — aka, I gave birth to twins! — I put the shaker on the top shelf of a cabinet never to be seen again.
Any alcohol consumption at home had to be something I could just pour and drink, like wine. Martinis were something I ordered at restaurants or bars during cherished dinners out.
Access to some of the better liquors has been limited, partly due to finances and partly because I haven’t felt like making any unnecessary extra shopping trips.
Take-out martinis just weren’t the same: they came in a plastic cup, held securely inside with Saran Wrap and a rubber band. Practical, sure, but also a let down.
It was time to make my favorite dessert cocktail: a chocolate martini.
It was like seeing an old friend again, except without the necessary social distancing.
Sadly, I had none of the ingredients I’d always used — Crème de Cacao, Godiva liqueur, vanilla vodka, half-and-half.
But what I did have was Salted Caramel Bailey’s (my fave), vodka-flavored vodka, Kahlua, and milk.
Step one: Fill bottom of shaker with ice (crushed if you have it).
Step two: Add a shot each of Bailey’s, vodka, and Kahlua, followed by 1.5 shots of milk.
Step three: Put the strainer and lid on, and shake vigorously for a few seconds until the shaker turns so cold you’d lose your tongue if you licked the outside of it.
Step four: Remove the lid (leaving the strainer on of course) and pour into a martini glass.
Step five: Drink up!
It even made me wonder if I really need any of the other ingredients to make my fave drink — though of course it wouldn’t hurt.
I’ve never been good at making lemonade from lemons…but this was definitely a way to make an awesome dessert cocktail from vodka-flavored vodka!
