Southern Protocol

It’s the month of looooooove! February is pretty much dominated by all things pink, lovey-dovey and chocolate. So why not celebrate with a delicious combo of cocktails and chocolate? A chocolate martini – when done right – is the perfect adult alternative to any other bittersweet dessert. Especially with a pretty garnish like this one, you’re sure to receive as many valentines as you wish this year!

Chocolate Martini, courtesy of thatsthespirit.com
-1/2 ounce white creme de cacao
-1.5 ounces vodka
-Strawberry, sliced into “heart” shape (see picture above)
-Chocolate sprinkles
-Orange slices

Wet the rim of the martini glass with an orange slice. Place rim of glass in mound of chocolate sprinkles.

Mix vodka and creme de cacao over ice in a shaker.  Strain into garnished martini glass and add the heart-shaped strawberry.

(If you want a warm chocolate drink, try this recipe, also featured on thatsthespirit.com!)

Cheers!

Ho, ho, ho holiday partiers! This festive time of year is one of the best and easiest times to have a holiday-themed cocktail. While there are the traditional staples, like cider and eggnog, I find this sweet twist on the martini both delicious and aesthetically pleasing!

Stocking Stuffer Martinis (makes 8 servings)

1 fresh lime
Coarse sugar
1.5 cups (12 oz) pomegranate juice
1/2 cup premium vodka
1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (1-2 fresh limes)

Cut lime and rub around rims of martini glasses to moisten. Pour sugar onto small plate. Dip rims of glasses into sugar. Set aside for up to 1 hour.

Combine remaining ingredients in pitcher: cover and place in freezer. Pour martinis into sugar-rimmed glasses. Serve well chilled.

If you want to really be festive, you can buy colored coarse sugar for the rims of the glass – green would be a perfect complement for the red liquid. Just remember to have your guests clear a little off and sip from the same spot…otherwise they’ll get some lovely green lipstick!

Cheers!