I love making cocktails for my Classic Cocktail series; discovering the history of a cocktail and putting together fresh and stellar ingredients to make a great reproduction of a well known cocktail brings together so many elements of my personality. Curiousity, a bit of tenacity and of course the sheer joy delivered from the creativity of a cocktail in the making. So…why have I forsaken those old standards for a plethora of seasonal spirits often marked with something less than the elegance they bring to the party? Simple…for FUN! Something about the season from Halloween through New Year’s inspires cocktails that are more emblematic of the party spirit.
In the past several weeks, apple cider and caramel vodka made for a great libation in the spirit of either Fall or Halloween; pumpkin mixed with rum and a brown sugar simple syrup conjured up a pumpkin pie so reminiscent of the fall holiday season and now this…a cocktail I can imagine being sipped while sitting around the holiday tree; maybe singing Christmas Carols or simply enjoying a sweet libation after a nice meal – this is most definitely what I would consider a dessert cocktail. Sweet yes, but with the bite of vodka and I loved the texture of my favorite sugar crystals rimming the luscious combination.
I’ve been asked to sample more liqueurs and spirits than I can keep up with but the truth is I’m not interested in many that are offered. Many sound fun but are pretty all inclusive, not requiring that I bring anything to the mix but ice and that would soon be a boring effort. This is not a review site; I love the craft of considering the different elements of alcoholic beverages and delicious liqueurs. I knew as soon as I was asked about my interest in the Crave Chocolate Mint Liqueur that I would have to make something for the winter holidays…the weather outside might be frightful but something about mint brings just a bit of warmth to the mix…and adding vodka doesn’t hurt either!
I thought it only appropriate that I actually taste this liqueur straight…did you hear me yell, ‘Help, somebody STOP me!’ While I can appreciate a great vermouth or the nuances of bitters in a cocktail, sometimes there is just a yum factor that can’t be denied and this liqueur definitely has that. Mocha and Semi Sweet Chocolate swirl on the tongue; with the sweet mint offering a nice cooling sensation. A very light mouth feel…something I find most welcome for an after dinner liqueur. Super yum (what, not sophisticated enough…sorry, it’s been a very long day). There are also Crave liqueurs in Chocolate Cherry and Chocolate Chili…I should have asked for some of those too huh? Now I’m dying to try them! Chocolate CHILI!! Oh yes.
I will often invite my family or neighbors over to ‘assist’ with the results and their feedback is always helpful. This time I made two cocktails that I was going to be forced to drink myself (OH NO!!) when my daughter dropped by. She can attest to how delightful this was…no matter how frightful the weather!
The Crave Liqueur would be great alone over ice but this was special. Try it. You’ll like it.
A great dessert shake with chocolate liqueur, vodka and vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Crave Chocolate Liqueur
- 4 oz vanilla ice cream
- 4 oz vodka
- 1/2 cup of ice
- Sugar and cocoa for rimming; mix in equal parts
Preparation
- Dip the edge of the glasses into a small amount of the liqueur poured onto a saucer.
- Dip rim into sugar/cocoa mixture.
- Mix the chocolate liqueur, vanilla ice cream, vodka and ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Divide the shake between the 2 glasses and add a short straw.

















{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I really appreciate multi tasking and a cocktail that could also be considered dessert?? Bring it on!! This one definitely could be dangerous… after all, it’s already gorgeous….
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Chocolate, Hazelnut and Orange Cookie Bars
I bet all three flavors would be fantastic in a sweet treat, or a drink! It amazes me how many different types of liqueurs there are to choose from. It makes my new obsession with cocktails that much more fun:-) My first thought, that chocolate chili one would be awesome in some brownies, YUM-O! Your drink sounds so perfect during this time of the year……OH can I have one please, that is all:-) Hugs, Terra
Terra Most Recent Post: Turkey A La King My Way!
I’ve asked for some with chili for that very reason…sounds so good doesn’t it? Making cocktails are something I’ve enjoyed for many years; drinking them ain’t half bad either. :)
Another fantastic drink to start the weekend! I think the rimmed glasses set this apart as quite a treat and not “just” a milkshake…and the vodka doesn’t hurt either!
Holly Most Recent Post: Flatbread with Pears and Gruyere #TwelveLoaves
So true Holly…not just any milkshake that’s for sure!
This would be PERFECT for me today. It’s going to be hotter than hell and I think a chocolate mint ice cream shake with a lot of vodka is called for. This looks so pretty!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef Most Recent Post: The Importance of Spelling
I do forget that your holiday weather and ours is light years apart…but I can always handle a bit of cold if mixed with a bit of vodka…I doubt the Russians ever minded huh? :)(
There are so many different liqueurs out there! Most of they are kind of on the sweet side, but this sounds delish. And adding vodka certainly gives it more interest! Good stuff – thanks.
kitchenriffs Most Recent Post: The Aviation Cocktail
This was sweet too and it seems that I’ve done a fair share of those lately. I asked one of my testers (i.e. a neighbor) if he would order something like this at a bar. He wasn’t sure. I asked him if he liked it. Enthusiastic thumbs up. He’s not alone; a lot of the fellows I know love what seem to be girly cocktails but in the privacy of my home! I don’t like overly sweet myself so part of the challenge is to make cocktails that might be dessert cocktails but not hurt your teeth…and yes, the vodka sure helps! :)
Love the photos and the cocktails! So festive. Will have to try Crave.
30A EATS Most Recent Post: Coastal Conservation Annual Banquet at Fish Out of Water Dec. 6
A drink that I would thoroughly enjoy! Maybe too much :)
P.S. Love that little pearl decorated tree in the photo.
Paula Most Recent Post: Singing Christmas Ducks for Haniela’s Christmas Card Cookie Project
This drink reminds me of an old favorite from the ’80s. I love your addition of vodka. That makes it a REAL cocktail. Now I’m craving chocolate, mint and vodka and it is only 6:20 in the morning. It’s going to be a long wait until cocktail hour!
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook, Giveaway and Recipe: Duchess Potatoes
Well, it’s not far from a White Russian is it? But 80′s or not…I still love those too and this is a nice and new take.
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