Mixed with vodka and coffee liqueur in this Disaronno Velvet Espresso Martini Cocktail — Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur makes a delicious after-dinner cocktail for special occasions or a relaxed weekend
This Disaronno Velvet Espresso Martini is often mistaken for a seasonal or Valentine’s drink because of its creamy white color and the chocolate-covered strawberry garnish I used for the photos. It’s certainly romantic and indulgent, but don’t limit it to a single holiday. It’s a versatile, elegant cocktail that works any time you want a smooth, dessert-style drink.
Disaronno Velvet, introduced in 2020, is a creamy take on the classic amaretto flavor of Disaronno. With a lower alcohol content (17% ABV) and a velvety texture, it blends beautifully with vodka and coffee liqueur to produce a balanced espresso martini variation. The cream softens the almond notes, while the coffee liqueur adds depth and a hint of roast.
Try this cocktail as a chilled after-dinner treat, or serve it over ice on a warm evening — it’s equally appealing both ways. During the holidays it makes an attractive nightcap; a couple of sugared cranberries or a chocolate-dipped berry tucked onto the glass rim gives it a festive touch.
I’ve always enjoyed sharing simple “grown-up” drinks with my daughters when they were too young to go out but old enough for a supervised sip at home. A White Russian was our go-to: cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur over ice. This Velvet Espresso Martini follows the same spirit — creamy, approachable, and meant to be enjoyed slowly.
The bottle design for Disaronno Velvet echoes the classic Disaronno identity but with a contemporary white finish and a square cap. Inside, the liqueur is creamy and smooth, carrying the familiar amaretto character but with velvety, milky notes that make it ideal for dessert cocktails.
This recipe is straightforward and requires only three main ingredients for two cocktails. The Disaronno Velvet is the star, so the vodka and coffee liqueur are used in smaller amounts to complement, not overpower, the cream and almond tones.
Prepare the cocktail in a shaker filled with ice and shake until the mixture is very cold. Strain into a martini glass for a refined presentation, or pour over ice in a lowball for a more relaxed serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings, coffee beans, or a chocolate-covered strawberry for an elegant finish.
This version has such a smooth finish that I always remind guests, “There’s booze in this — sip slowly.” It’s rich but balanced, and it finishes clean with lingering amaretto warmth.
If you want to make chocolate-covered strawberries to garnish the drink, it’s quick and simple. They elevate the presentation and taste terrific with the liqueur’s almond notes.
Ingredients (makes 2 cocktails)
- 3 ounces Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria)
- 1 ounce vodka
- Garnish: chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Disaronno Velvet, coffee liqueur, and vodka.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain into two chilled martini glasses, or pour over ice into lowball glasses if you prefer.
- Garnish with a chocolate-covered strawberry, a few chocolate shavings, or a couple of coffee beans.
How to make quick chocolate-covered strawberries
- Warm chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second bursts on medium power, stirring between intervals, until just melted.
- Dip whole strawberries into the melted chocolate and place them on parchment or wax paper. Chill for at least 10 minutes to set the coating.
- If attaching to the glass rim, warm a sharp knife briefly over a flame and use it to make a shallow cut 2/3 of the way up the berry; attach the halves to the rim for an elegant presentation.
Serve this Disaronno Velvet Espresso Martini any time you want a decadent, easy-to-make dessert cocktail. It’s great for entertaining, quiet evenings, or whenever you want something smooth and slightly sweet. Cheers!
Disaronno Velvet Espresso Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria)
For garnish
- Chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans
Instructions
- Combine Disaronno Velvet, vodka, and coffee liqueur in an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a martini glass or pour into a lowball glass over ice.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 Cocktail
Calories: 227
Fat: 0.2 g | Sodium: 5 mg | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 0.1 g
*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.