I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet holiday drinks, and this Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cocktail is one that immediately feels festive. The first time I made it, I was hosting a small gathering with friends, and someone mentioned it tasted like a grown up version of a raspberry truffle candy. That comparison stuck with me because it perfectly describes the balance of chocolate richness and berry brightness in every sip.
This drink also looks beautiful when served. The shaved chocolate, whipped cream, and raspberry garnish give it the look of something you would order at a high end dessert bar. Yet the recipe itself is simple, quick, and easy enough for anyone to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it for guests or enjoying it on your own while watching holiday movies, this cocktail is guaranteed to bring a little sweetness to the season.
Why You’ll Love This
The Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cocktail is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and bright berry flavors. It strikes a balance that makes it taste like a dessert without overwhelming you.
This cocktail is also incredibly versatile and works for celebrations, cozy nights, or anytime you want a treat that is easy to shake up.
Here are a few reasons it stands out:
- Simple ingredients create a luxurious dessert cocktail experience.
- The flavor profile mirrors a raspberry truffle candy, making it ideal for chocolate lovers.
- Eye catching garnishes turn it into a show stopping drink for parties.
- Fast preparation makes it great for hosting.
- Works well for Christmas cocktails, Valentine’s Day, and dessert menus.
After trying it once, you may find yourself making it long after the holidays.
Ingredients
This cocktail uses a handful of ingredients that together form a creamy, sweet, and slightly fruity drink. The raspberry and vanilla vodkas add brightness and depth, while the chocolate liqueur and chocolate milk provide the smooth dessert base. The garnishes bring everything together visually and enhance the indulgence factor.
- 1 oz raspberry vodka
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 3 oz chocolate milk
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Shaved chocolate for garnish
- raspberry for garnish
Each ingredient contributes to the chocolate truffle effect. Using a high quality chocolate milk or even a chocolate oat milk can greatly improve the texture and richness.
Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions
You can create this cocktail with many different brands, and it still turns out delicious. Below are some recommendations for the best flavor and balance.
- Raspberry Vodka: Absolut Raspberri works well for a bold berry flavor, while Smirnoff Raspberry offers a lighter, sweeter touch.
- Vanilla Vodka: Stolichnaya Vanilla and Smirnoff Vanilla blend smoothly with chocolate based drinks.
- Chocolate Liqueur: Godiva Chocolate Liqueur adds creaminess, while crème de cacao offers a more focused chocolate note.
- Chocolate Milk Substitute: Use chocolate almond milk for a dairy free option or chocolate oat milk for a thick, velvety texture.
- Garnish Swap: A chocolate covered raspberry or a drizzle of chocolate syrup makes a fun alternative garnish.
These substitutions allow you to personalize the cocktail based on your taste or what you already have stocked in your home bar.
Equipment and Glassware
You do not need much equipment to make this drink, which is part of its charm. A standard cocktail shaker gives you the chilled, blended texture needed for this creamy dessert cocktail.
Suggested tools include:
A chilled coupe glass enhances presentation and helps the drink stay cold without dilution.
How to Make It
This cocktail comes together quickly and easily, making it a great choice for entertaining. The key is shaking long enough to create a smooth, blended texture.
- Chill your coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Add raspberry vodka, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate milk to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Top with whipped cream, a raspberry, and shaved chocolate for a decadent finish.
You can adjust the thickness by using more or less chocolate milk depending on how rich you want the drink to taste.
Pro Tips
These simple tricks can help you elevate your Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cocktail and make it taste even better.
- Use fresh shaved chocolate instead of pre packaged chocolate sprinkles for better flavor.
- Shake harder and longer to get a creamy, blended texture.
- For an extra rich cocktail, replace chocolate milk with chocolate cream liqueur.
- Chill both the glass and the chocolate milk for best results.
- Add a tiny pinch of salt to bring out the chocolate notes.
- Use a chocolate rim if you want a sweeter, dessert like presentation.
- Garnish right before serving so the whipped cream does not melt too quickly.
These tips help turn a simple drink into a polished, restaurant worthy cocktail.
Variations
You can customize this cocktail to match your taste or theme. Here are a few fun twists to try:
- Replace raspberry vodka with strawberry vodka for a chocolate covered strawberry version.
- Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur for a Nutella inspired flavor.
- Use white chocolate liqueur instead of dark chocolate for a lighter drink.
- Make a frozen version by blending all ingredients with ice.
- Create a non alcoholic version using chocolate milk, raspberry syrup, and vanilla syrup.
Each variation keeps the dessert cocktail spirit alive while offering something new.
When to Serve and Pairings
This cocktail is perfect for Christmas gatherings, holiday dessert tables, date nights, or after dinner drinks. Its sweet, rich profile pairs well with both chocolate based desserts and light pastries.
Serve it with:
- Chocolate mousse or flourless chocolate cake
- Cheesecake with raspberry drizzle
- Holiday cookies or biscotti
- Chocolate truffles
- Seasonal cocktails like a Peppermint White Russian or a Chocolate Martini
It fits beautifully into any holiday menu where dessert cocktails shine.
Storage and Serving Notes
Because this cocktail contains dairy and delicate textures, it is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare parts of it ahead to save time.
Helpful notes:
- Do not batch the full drink, as the shaken texture will not hold.
- You can pre measure ingredients to make the process quicker for groups.
- Store chocolate milk in the coldest part of your fridge before shaking.
- Garnish immediately before serving to keep the whipped cream firm.
Following these guidelines ensures your drink stays smooth, cold, and decadent.
FAQs
Here are some common questions to help you perfect this holiday cocktail.
Can I make this drink dairy free?
Yes, use chocolate almond or oat milk and dairy free whipped cream.
Is this cocktail very sweet?
It is sweet, but you can reduce the chocolate milk or use dark crème de cacao for a less sugary flavor.
Can I serve it over ice?
It is traditionally served straight up, but you can use a rocks glass with a large cube if you prefer.
What if I do not have raspberry vodka?
Use regular vodka and add a splash of raspberry syrup or muddled raspberries.
Can I use hot chocolate instead of chocolate milk?
No, hot chocolate will melt the ice and change the texture. Stick with chilled chocolate milk.
More Cocktails to Try
If you enjoyed this Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cocktail, here are other dessert cocktails and Christmas cocktails you may love:
- Dubai Chocolate Martini: A smooth, elegant chocolate lover’s dream.
- Peppermint White Russian: A creamy, minty twist perfect for winter.
- White Chocolate Eggnog Martini: Rich, festive, and holiday ready.
- Salted Caramel Mudslide: A classic dessert drink with coffee and chocolate notes.
- Chocolate Cherry Martini: Sweet, fruity, and delicious.

Ingredients
- 1 oz raspberry vodka
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 3 oz chocolate milk
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Shaved chocolate for garnish
- raspberry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill your coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine raspberry vodka, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate milk.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh raspberry, and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate for a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chocolate milk: Use full-fat chocolate milk for a creamier texture, or swap it with chocolate almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Shaved chocolate: A dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best to balance the sweetness of the drink.
- Chilled glass: This step enhances the drink’s smooth, rich texture by keeping it perfectly cold.


