Perfect Nightcap Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer (or fill with ice and water) to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Measure ingredients

Measure 2 oz Belvedere vodka, 0.5 oz crème de cacao, and 0.5 oz Becherovka. If you prefer Becherovka slightly tempered, add 0.25 oz cold water to it and stir briefly in the mixing glass before combining.

Combine and add bitters

In a mixing glass filled with plenty of fresh ice, pour the vodka, crème de cacao, and Becherovka (or Becherovka + cold water). Add 3 dashes of Orphan Girl bitters (or 2 dashes orange bitters + 1 dash chocolate bitters if substituting).

Stir

Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full turns) until well chilled and properly diluted (glass should frost slightly). Stirring keeps the cocktail clear and silky.

Prepare glass

Discard ice/water from the chilled glass and give the glass one quick wipe with a paper towel if needed so there is no water pooling.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini or coupe glass using a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer (optional) to ensure a smooth, clean pour.

Express orange oils

Take the orange twist and hold it over the poured cocktail. Pinch and twist the peel to express the oils over the surface, letting a faint spray fall into the drink.

Garnish

Rub the expressed peel lightly around the glass rim and drop the twist into the drink or rest it on the rim, depending on preference. Finish by grating a small pinch (about 1/4 tsp) of dark chocolate or sprinkling chocolate shavings over the surface.

Serve immediately. The Perfect Nightcap Martini is best enjoyed slowly as an after-dinner sipper — herbal, chocolaty, and smooth.