Small Parties for Small Spaces: Chocolate Martinis

We had a beautiful party last night. There were eight of us in my tiny park model living room but it was still very comfortable.

I actually have everything I need for a party stashed away in items we use for other things. Everything in this small space must serve two purposes. My table is my desk most days. Our small Ottoman has a lid that opens for storage for wine glasses, chargers and other party supplies. The end tables serves as storage too. And the list goes on.

Cocktail hours are very popular here in the park and most people like cheese, cracker, dips, etc.  I decided that we needed a change so I invite our friends to come for a chocolate martini and a small piece of cake between dinner hour and a dance we were having in the park. I decided to use Giada's Chocolate Espresso Martini recipe....kinda. When you live in a small space and want to have a party without breaking the bank, you use what you have and hope for the best! This party was not any different. I own 4 martini glasses and used wine glasses for the other 4 people. I think the napkins say it all!

from Food Network

Ingredients (serves 4)
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (I bought Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72%)
2/3 cup brewed espresso, chilled
2/3 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua (we used non-alcoholic chocolate martini mixer).
2/3 cup vanilla-flavored vodka (we did not have vanilla-flavored so we just use regular vodka)

Amazon link: Ingrid 6 Pc Martini Set 

Ice
Special equipment: cocktail shaker

Directions:
Combine the chocolate and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and place over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes. (We chilled the glasses in the freezer before dipping the glasses. The chocolate hardened immediately. We left the glasses in the freezer until we were ready to serve the drinks.)

In a pitcher, mix together the espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. In batches, add the vodka mixture and shake for 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses and serve.

Note: By replacing the Kahlua lacquer with a non-alcoholic mixer we managed to keep the alcohol content down.  Remember, we were going dancing afterwards!

Thank you Giada for the wonderful recipe!

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Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-espresso-martini-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback