#Ad: {21+} Drink Your Dessert During National Chocolate Lovers Month! {#Recipe Printable} #worldmarkettribe #DiscoverWorldMarket

To celebrate National Chocolate Lovers Month, I am partnering with Cost Plus World Market to bring you some cocktails so indulgent they could be considered Dessert! Thanks Cost Plus World Market for Sponsoring this Post. All views are my own.

It is National Chocolate Lovers Month! UM YES, PLEASE!

I love chocolate and I am no stranger to sweet cocktails so I thought I would combine my love of both and bring you two of my favorite Martini's - a Dark Chocolate and a White Chocolate Martini. Perfect for your Valentine or Galentine, or a fun Star Wars Viewing Party - Set out your Martinis and let your friends choose the dark side or the rebellion!

A lot of my barware has been those cool commemorative glasses you get at restaurants or bars for ordering a specialty cocktail, cute, but all branded for different places. Not quite the sophisticated set up.

I wanted a more sophisticated bar area with the challenge of being in a super small space, so I converted one of my favorite Cost Plus World Market sideboards into a bar on the inside, I bought a wine rack to put inside the sideboard where I could store wine and spirits neatly and also include my barware. I purchased a mirrored serving tray and my very first set of matching NON-BRANDED Martini Glasses! 

Chocolate Martini's are indulgent, decadent and as sweet as you want them to be, remember to dim down the sweetness and add more 'pow' to the drink you just need to up the amount of Vodka used in the recipe.

Above: Even though I refrigerated my Torani Dark Chocoloate Syrup prior to working with it, it definitely started to melt down fast when the vodka hit the glass and my cute design got kind of melded together, I also formed a heart with the dusting of cocoa powder! The White Chocolate syrup also sort of pooled to the bottom so it is a bit hard to see.

A lot of folks like to line the top of the glass and rim it with the chocolate sort of like a margarita, but I can tell you if you are wearing lipstick or lipgloss you do NOT want that! So start your chocolate swirl pattern what I call 'lip length down' so you don't get the sauce on your lips with each sip. Unless you are wearing a truly bulletproof lip stain that won't budge every time you lick your lips.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI INGREDIENTS, INSTRUCTIONS, RECIPE:

Above:  Press on the photo above to make it bigger, and it becomes a printable, you will also find this on our pinterest page in the cocktails anyone? board HERE.

I post one recipe, because the substitution is simple, for a darker effect you use more chocolate liquer, and for a lighter chocolate martini, you can eliminate the chocolate liquer or use it in a lesser ratio and/or just use the baileys. If you notice I wasn't specific with the Vodka brand or the chocolate liquer brand because that really amounts to personal taste, most bartenders use Vanilla Flavored Vodka and I am not a fan of it so I use a regular vodka and let the liquer (Godiva is really good) and the Baileys give it the taste profile. Remember your syrup (I prefer Torani) which you are using for decoration, drops to the bottom so it flavors the drink in its own way as well. I do however get specific with the Baileys, it adds such a smooth, rich flavor, and the torani syrups say 'coffe house flavor' but it is NOT overwhelming and it adds such a richness to the drink. With the Dark Chocolate Torani Syrup being a stronger flavor profile and the white chocolate syrup much sweeter.

Sorry that the white chocolate blended into the glass so much you can't see the swirl design, it sort of pooled more to the bottom. Maybe I should have layered it like Sand Art? ;-)

I personally freeze my vodka so I know it's cold when I am ready for it, but you definitely want to add a lot of ice to your shaker, this drink is best served and consumed while it is still super cold.

SHOP THE POST:

All the elements used to create this recipe, from the sideboard that I converted into a bar, the mirrored serving tray, glasses, syrups and shaker are included below!

Holbrook Sideboard

Above: I fell in LOVE with this sideboard when I attended the Grand Opening of my local Cost Plus World Market in New York City - 620 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 in Manhattan's trendy Chelsea area. I had already been eyeing them on the website but seeing them in person definitely put it over the top for me! I fell so much in love, that I ordered two. But I recently decided to repurpose one of them and because I live in a super small space, this is now my foyer entryway table that blends perfectly into my modern zen décor, but the inside is all barware and bottles as I purchased several racks to go inside of it. It is incredibly spacious on the inside, and once I lived with them for awhile in other rooms I realized that several actual 'bars' I had been researching for that space were no where near as spacious and I love that when it is closed you can't tell I am using it for that purpose. So double perk. I also love using this piece to stage my product photos, and the chocolate martini's were put out on this sideboard.

Torani White Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market

Above: I love the flavor of Torani White Chocolate Sauce and it was fun using it for my White Chocolate Martini - both to rim the martini glass and to flavor the drink. This is sweet in a good way NOT a cloying way! And you will want to use this in tons of other ways, on ice cream as an icing for pastries, and definitely in your coffee/cappuccino

Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market

Above: The Dark Chocolate Sauce by Torani has a bolder less sweet flavor profile than the White Chocolate Sauce and is also delicious, you can definitely use this on other stuff and trust me when I tell you that you will. You will find excuses to drizzle it on almost everything! Once you try this one you won't go back to your regular brand.

Madison Martini Glasses - Set of 6 - Cost Plus World Market

Above: I always read reviews before I purchase ANYTHING, and the reviews on these were quite positive and I can see why. They are a great value for the money, they are sturdy, definitely not thin or cheaply made, and make a great presentation. I also like using martini glasses for small snacks during a party for an elegant presentation as well. And I have always considered them the glass to present shrimp cocktails in.

Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray from Cost Plus World Market

Above: I Love this one so much I plan to order another one for my Vanity! It is perfect for all kinds of staging and presentation!

Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from Cost Plus World Market

Above: To mix the perfect Martini every time you want a good cocktail shaker!

also know you guys like non-alcohol alternatives, so I just can't help but to share the amazing post by Laura Leigh on her blog Louella Reese where she creates a copy cat Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe inspired by wildly popular ones at Serendipity restaurants in my hometown New York City!

My Take:

You can pick up all these items at your local Cost Plus World Market location (I am linking you directly to the store locator) or online and they are currently having a sale for 25% off Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites so you can nab yours for a great discount!

Save 25% on ALL Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites at World Market! Save an additional 10% with code SAVEBIG10

I am always game to try something new and I like that the Chocolate Martini lets you mix things up a bit. And you can make them to suit your mood, sweet or powerful!

What is your favorite specialty cocktail?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored and compensated post, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am a member of Cost Plus World Market Ambassador Program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Did '#Luxe - E - Claus" miss you this year? Check out #photo highlights from the @TheLuxuryReview & form your 2015 wishlist!

Was your holiday a little less than shiny? A little 'luxe-luster'? Maybe Santa just plain missed the mark completely?

Then let the products and brands presented at The Luxury Review give you a little inspiration (or ahem, 'aspiration') to make your wishlist for 2015!

Here are some photo highlights of all the "Luxe-tastic' things I got to experience at the New York City 'The Luxury Review': (I am going for something resembling alphabetical order, but my post holiday brain may not quite get there)

Baron Tequila at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

Mexico is one of my favorite places to visit, and visiting there helped me to develop a love of all things Tequila, I got to try out Tequila Baron for the first time at The Luxury Review event in NYC and I greatly enjoyed it! Will have to add this one to my bar!

Abstract Artist Cecile Brunswick

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

I travel by plane often and I can't say I ever thought of flying a plane myself, at least until NOW that is! Do you think fly lessons and THIS would fit under my tree for next year?

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

Cigar Afficionados certainly know the name Cohiba well, and The Luxury Review never fails to disappoint, they always seem to offer the finest spirits and the finest Cigars too!

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

The team at Cohiba sent us home with one of their Cigars! SCORE!

Double Cross Vodka at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to admit that the bottle drew me in. Much like Tory Burch's logo, the 'double cross' looks much like two 'T's' to  me, and since my name is Tracy I like to think they created this just for ME! I wonder if they need a blogger brand ambassador?

Energica Superbike at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to confess I have never been on a motorcycle before (perhaps 2015 will bring a 'bad boy' into my life, LOL), this bike definitely makes me want to hit the road!

Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City

Needless to say Media are always hungry in New York City as there are always stories to cover and events to hit, RANA is a restaurant located in Chelsea Market in New York City, they tempted us with delicious pasta dishes and gave us a lovely gift bag to take home that included their Tortelloni, Ravioli, Basil Pesto and Alfredo Sauces and they were all absolutely delicious! I truly hope they will be back for the 2015 Luxury Review!

Chef Antonella Rana of Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

This Foodie loves her Pasta, and Chef Antonella served it up with love!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't mind having some of these shiny baubles under my tree!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Julia Poteat Handbags The Luxury Review Fall New York City 2014

I am absolutely handbag obsessed. (No surprise to loyal readers.) We have hosted a monthly Featured Handbag in the Spotlight since 2009 so meeting Julia Poteat was a pleasure and we actually spoke for a bit about our mutual passion for quality Handbags! She has an open invitation to work with us anytime! 

I just had to get a closeup on this beautiful Pony Hair Satchel:

If that handbag isn't 'ladies who lunch' I don't know what is! Tres Trendy! And with the Pony Hair I would totally go winter white with this, hashtag #seasonless for real!

Libratone Wireless Speakers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Me being #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, my life definitely has a soundtrack, and I am always interested in Audio Products, these wireless speakers offer scandinavian design and may just make your music 'cooler'.

Luxtural Skincare The Luxury Review Fall 2014

With a name like 'Luxtural' it's easy to see how they made the cut at The Luxury Review, their products are where skincare and hydration meet with advanced anti-aging benefits!

Maserati, The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Who wouldn't want this muscle car under their tree?

Maserati The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

McPherson Guitars Custom Shop The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and these guitars from McPherson definitely provided extra inspiration!

Author Steve Light for Montegrappa Pens The Luxury Review Fall 2014

It was fun watching Author Steve Light use Montegrappa Pens, the pens are absolutely beautiful, and a must for that Exec on your holiday shopping list! (They are also a very thoughtful gift for a recent College Grad!)

Have You Seen My Dragon a book by Author Steve Light

I love the cover!

Orange County Choppers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orange County Choppers was at The Luxury Review and here are some examples of their work:

Statement Bike Perhaps?

Blue is one of my favorite colors!

I was born to be wild I tell you!

Orrefors Kosta Boda The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orrefors Kossta Boda displayed their handblown glass products which are produced in Sweden, this bowl and ornaments caught my eye! (Super artsy photo right?)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offered both a Cabernet Sauvignon, pictured above, and a Chardonnay, pictured below:

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 

There was definitely a long line to get at these, but well worth the wait!

The John Allen Company The Luxury Review Fall 2014

John Allan's Premiere Men's Grooming Club offered their services and also displayed their grooming products, perfect gift idea for the 'well groomed' man in your life, or the one you wish was groomed a little bit better!

Ultra 5 Beverage The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Ultra 5 Energy Drink helped us all to keep up our energy, there was a lot to see and do! Focused Energy and No crash, makes this energy drink perfect for the active lifestyle!

Velvet Eyewear Sunglasses

Aren't these sunglasses by Velvet Eyewear just making you yearn for a tropical getaway? I would love these under my tree with plane tickets in my stocking of course!

Wusthof Knives The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I know my fellow foodies already know the name Wusthof, their knives are definitely the 'cadillac' of kitchen cutlery! (Is it OK to slip a knife into someone's stocking?)

Here is a really cool video of the event:

My Take:

Here is my coverage of last year's Luxury Review in case you missed it!

The Luxury Review is definitely one of my favorite NYC events to attend, they showcase such a wide variety of products that are part of a luxe lifestyle, I could definitely imagine quite a few of these under my tree next year!

Which product featured above would YOU most like to find under your tree next year butterfly?


˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. Ascending Butterfly attended The Luxury Review as Digital Press. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.