I always love any good martini, but I truly love a chocolate martini the best. I have my preferences for mixures such as no cream liqueurs and I prefer clear chocolate liqueurs although I do understand why people enjoy the aforementioned. I like my martini's unmuddied so that I can clearly enjoy the flavors that I've used when they are well chilled. That said, to me one of the best things to happen in many years is the abundance of flavored vodkas now available to use in the creation of mixed drinks. Using one in combination with other flavors is almost like layering several perfumes to create a magical combination of ones own. That's what this drink is like, sweet, full of chocolate and very fragrant, a cool midwinter's breath creeping towards spring!
I think that this is a bit strong to be served before dinner, it’s definitely a dessert drink! Use your own judgment though, if you want to serve it before dinner just remember that it has enough sugar to dull the appetite. I’d serve it instead with a scoop of good sorbet, or a dense flourless chocolate cake. Come to think of it, a hot molten lava cake would be wonderful or a Pavlova, that miraculous confection of meringue clouds topped with fresh berries and Crème Anglaise’.

You can find the Monin French violet syrup at many good gourmet stores, or online at http://moninstore.com/classic.php

For each drink you will need,

2 ounces of chocolate vodka
1 ounce of Pama- a delicious new pomegranate liqueur made with fresh pomegranate juice and a hint of tequila.
1 tablespoon of Black Raspberry liqueur
1 Tablespoon of white Crème de Cocoa
A splash of Monin French Violet syrup

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. For drinks like these I prefer a stainless steel or silver shaker because to me it chills the drink more quickly than the traditional glass shaker without adding too much water. Shake vigorously and strain quickly into a clear martini glass. For a garnish , a toothpick of three plump raspberries or a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds would be a pretty and tasty addition!