The Original Leopard Lounge Chocolate Martini

The First Church of the Chocolate Martini has been a beloved midnight tradition for years, bringing together dreamers, artists, musicians, campers, and chocolate lovers beneath the stars. Inspired by the legendary Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and dedicated in part to the memory of Charlie Stephen Russell—artist, art car builder, technology pioneer, and creative maverick—this decadent Chocolate Martini is rich, velvety, and unforgettable. Made with vodka, chocolate cream liqueur, crème de cacao, Hershey's chocolate syrup, and half-and-half, it is shaken ice cold and served in a chocolate-drizzled martini glass for the ultimate dessert cocktail experience.

At the Leopard Lounge Bar, these famous martinis traditionally appear at the stroke of midnight. Wishes are made, glasses are raised toward the moon, and friends gather to celebrate friendship, creativity, adventure, and the possibility that dreams really can come true. Whether you're camping beneath the stars, attending an art car gathering, celebrating at East Jesus, or simply enjoying a magical evening with fellow chocolate lovers, this martini has become a symbol of joy, community, and a little bit of midnight magic.

For chocolate lovers everywhere, this is more than a cocktail—it's a tradition.

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Serves 2 generous martinis

Ingredients

• 4 oz premium vodka

• 4 oz Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur (the closest modern successor to Godiva)

• 4 oz crème de cacao

• 2 oz Hershey's chocolate syrup

• 2 oz half-and-half

• Ice

Optional Garnish

• Hershey's syrup drizzled inside the glass

• Ghirardelli cocoa powder rim

• Dark chocolate shavings

Directions

1. Chill two martini glasses.

2. Drizzle Hershey's syrup around the inside walls of each glass.

3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

4. Add vodka, chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, chocolate syrup, and half-and-half.

5. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until ice cold.

6. Strain into the prepared glasses.

7. Step outside.

8. Look at the moon.

9. Make a wish.

10. Toast to the highest, happiest version of yourself.

Leopard Lounge Midnight Rule:
Chocolate martinis taste best after dark, under a sky full of stars, in the company of dreamers, musicians, artists, wanderers, and people who still believe a wish can change everything.

Here is a brief story of…

The First Church

of the Chocolate Martini.

Long before I became a professional chocolate taster

in pursuit of the world's perfect chocolate liqueur,

There was Charlie...

Charlie Stephen Russell.

CHASTERUS

A brilliant artist, technology geek, art-car builder, creative maverick, and one of the most unforgettable souls I have ever known.

For a short season of life, Charlie and I were more than friends. He was the mayor of EAST JESUS population of 1, and there is where he remained until his passing in 2011. He remains one of those rare people who leaves fingerprints on your heart forever.

Back then, the secret ingredient was Godiva Chocolate Liqueur.‍ ‍If you can still find a bottle for sale.

When Godiva is slowly disappearing from store shelves, a small tragedy rippled through the congregation of what he named The First Church of the Chocolate Martini.

Since then, I have considered myself a devoted pilgrim on a noble quest: tasting chocolate from around the world in search of the perfect replacement.

One day, perhaps, I'll create my own chocolate liqueur in Charlie's honor.

Until then, the tradition continues.

At the Leopard Lounge Bar, chocolate martinis are never served casually.

They appear at midnight.

Always.

The shaker comes out under a sky full of stars. Someone points toward the moon. Someone else makes a wish. The chocolate syrup drips down the inside of chilled martini glasses like dark velvet ribbons. Ice rattles in the shaker. Friends gather close.

Then comes the toast.

To dreams.

To adventures.

To lost friends.

To new beginnings.

To impossible things becoming possible.

The Leopard Lounge crowd has a long-standing belief that wishes made over midnight chocolate martinis carry a little extra magic.

Maybe it's the moon.

Maybe it's the stars.

Maybe it's the company.

Or maybe it's simply that for one perfect moment, everyone is looking toward the highest and happiest parts of themselves.

Whatever the reason, many of those wishes seem to come true.

So when the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass.

Howl at the moon.

Wish boldly.

And drink chocolate responsibly.

The First Church of the Chocolate Martini is always accepting new members.

LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK THE FANCY COCKTAIL.