Why wait for dessert to get your sugar fix when cocktail glasses are brimming with sweet, spirited concoctions? Classic treats like s’mores, truffles, and candies meet their boozy match in vodka, brandy, whiskey, and liqueurs. Add a frosting rim with sprinkles or a chocolate shaving garnish, and—poof!—you’ve got a confectionery delicacy in liquid form.
Sip pure decadence with these dessert cocktails from Virginia:
Steiny’s Comfort
Recipe by Steinhilber’s Restaurant, Virginia Beach
1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce coffee liqueur
½ ounce chocolate sauce
¼ cup milk
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings, to garnish
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Line a snifter glass with chocolate sauce. Add bourbon, coffee liqueur, and milk, and lightly stir. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate.
S’mores Martini
Recipe inspired by Massanutten Resort, Massanutten
¼ cup marshmallow fluff
1 ounce Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
1 ounce crème de cacao
2 ounces Godiva chocolate liqueur
1 ounce chocolate syrup
1 ounce heavy cream
2 graham crackers
3 marshmallows
Coat the rim of a martini glass by dipping it upside down into a plate or bowl of chocolate syrup, then into crushed graham crackers. Drizzle any remaining syrup into the glass by pouring it over the back of a spoon. In a shaker, combine vodka, crème de cacao, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream; shake vigorously and pour into the glass over the back of a spoon. Top with a layer of marshmallow fluff, skewer marshmallows and toast with a kitchen torch or grill, then place the skewer on top as a garnish.
Pretty Chai for a White Guy
Recipe by Twisted Liquid, Blacksburg
1 ½ ounces chai-infused brandy
½ ounce Frangelico
½ ounce orange liqueur
1 ounce heavy cream
Shake ingredients together to combine and serve in a Turkish tea cup. Garnish with an almond cookie.
This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue.
