The Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Cocktails, Mocktails & Cozy Sips

Chocolate isn’t just for snacking, it’s a secret weapon behind some of the most indulgent, cozy, and crowd-pleasing drinks around. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a holiday gathering, or just winding down after a long day, these cocktails and mocktails prove that Alter Eco chocolate belongs behind the bar too.

The recipes below feature Alter Eco’s organic, fair-for-life, regeneratively sourced chocolate because great drinks should taste incredible and feel good to serve.

🍸 Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini

Bright • Indulgent • Citrus‑Kissed

A rich espresso martini with a subtle hit of orange — decadent, aromatic, and elevated with real chocolate instead of syrups.

You’ll need:

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz Cointreau
• ½ oz chocolate liqueur
• 2 oz freshly brewed espresso, chilled
• 1 square Alter Eco Orange Blackout Dark Chocolate

For the rim & garnish:

• Melted Alter Eco Orange Blackout Dark Chocolate

How to make it:

1. Melt the chocolate gently. Dip the rim of the glass into the melted chocolate, then place a small segment of Orange Blackout on the edge. Transfer glasses to the fridge to set.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, Cointreau, chocolate liqueur, and espresso to a shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake very well until chilled and frothy.
4. Slowly pour into the prepared glass.

Why it works: Orange Blackout’s bright citrus notes lift the richness of espresso and chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced, bar‑level cocktail.

🍸 Burnt Caramel Old Fashioned

Smoky • Slightly Sweet • Unexpected

This is an Old Fashioned for people who swear they don’t like sweet cocktails.

You’ll need:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1 square Alter Eco Burnt Caramel Dark Chocolate
• Orange peel

How to make it:

1. Melt the chocolate until smooth.
2. Stir melted chocolate, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Add bourbon and ice; stir until chilled.
4. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
5. Express orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

Why it works: The caramelized notes in the chocolate echo the oak and vanilla in the bourbon.

🍸 Salted Chocolate Negroni

Sophisticated • Balanced • Bar‑Level

A chocolate Negroni might sound wild… until you try it.

You’ll need:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 small square Alter Eco Classic Blackout or Sea Salt Dark Chocolate
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

How to make it:

1. Melt the chocolate gently.
2. Stir all ingredients (except salt) with ice until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
4. Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top.

Why it works: Bitterness meets richness… chocolate rounds out Campari’s edge beautifully.

🥂 Dark Chocolate Vanilla Fizz (Non-Alcoholic)

Creamy • Effervescent • Dessert-Cocktail Energy

An elegant, alcohol-free fizz that feels like a dessert cocktail…lightly sweet, softly bitter, and finished with bubbles. Think chocolate soda, but grown-up.

You’ll need (serves 1):

• 3 oz non-alcoholic prosecco or sparkling white wine
• 1 oz vanilla oat milk or almond milk
• ½ oz simple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 square Alter Eco Classic Blackout Dark Chocolate
• Ice
• Optional garnish: vanilla bean or shaved Alter Eco Classic Blackout Dark Chocolate

How to make it:

1. Melt the chocolate gently and drizzle a small amount inside a chilled coupe or wine glass, swirling lightly to coat.
2. Add ice to the glass.
3. Pour in vanilla milk and simple syrup, stirring gently to combine.
4. Top with non-alcoholic prosecco.
5. Finish with shaved dark chocolate or a vanilla bean for garnish.

Why it works: Classic Blackout’s smooth, balanced cocoa brings depth without overpowering the bubbles, creating a refined, sip-worthy NA cocktail.

Hosting tip: Serve with a small square of dark chocolate on the side to reinforce the flavor and elevate presentation.

🎄 Minty Candy Cane Hot Chocolate (Kid-Friendly)

Festive • Cozy • Holiday-Ready

A classic winter favorite with a chocolate-mint upgrade. This creamy hot chocolate uses real Alter Eco chocolate for a cozy drink that feels special, seasonal, and perfect for holiday nights.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 Alter Eco Mint Truffle Thin
• Whipped cream
• Crushed peppermint candy cane
• Optional: mini marshmallows

How to make it:

1. Warm the milk gently over low heat.
2. Add the Mint Truffle Thin and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
3. Pour into a mug and top generously with whipped cream.
4. Finish with crushed peppermint candy cane and optional marshmallows.

Why it works: The smooth chocolate-mint flavor of the Mint Truffle Thin melts beautifully into warm milk, creating a festive hot chocolate without artificial syrups or mixes.

Parent win: Real chocolate, simple ingredients, and a holiday treat kids genuinely love — without going overboard.

A Better Way to Cheers

From cocktail hour to cocoa night, Alter Eco chocolate brings depth, integrity, and intention to every sip. These drinks aren’t just delicious, they’re proof that regenerative ingredients belong everywhere we gather.

Because the best moments taste even better when they’re made responsibly.

Cheers to chocolate done right.