Recipe: Chocolate Espresso Martinis

Serves 6

Cocktail Pre-mix:

- ½ cup Starbucks coffee liqueur

- ½ cup Amarula Cream or Baileys Irish Cream liqueur (see note)

- 3 tablespoons high-quality chocolate sauce, such as Fran's or Scharffen Berger

- ½ cup vanilla vodka

Chocolate Cream:

- 1/3 cup whipping cream

- 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce

- Garnish: coffee beans, chocolate-covered espresso beans or chocolate shavings

1. To make cocktail pre-mix: In a small container, combine coffee liqueur, Amarula or Baileys, chocolate sauce and vodka. Then transfer to a pretty bottle with a pour spout. The pre-mix can be made up to 1 week in advance and kept refrigerated.

2. To make the cream: In a small bowl, combine the whipping cream and chocolate sauce and whip until very, very softly peaked.

3. For each cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then measure in 2 ounces (¼ cup) of the pre-mix. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, then strain into a small martini glass. Top each cocktail with a dollop of the whipped cream and garnish with coffee beans and/or chocolate.

Note: Amarula Cream is a smooth cream liqueur made from a blend of fresh cream and the pulp of the exotic fruits found in the African marula tree. Check your local liquor store for availability.

©2006 by Kathy Casey Food Studios ®