Santa Marta Choco Liq

Choco Liq from Santa Marta is listed in the vodka category, and the name points to a chocolate-flavored spirit rather than a neutral, unflavored vodka. The listing doesn't state the base material (grain, potato or corn), the ABV, the origin or the sweetness level, so check the label for those. Chocolate-flavored vodkas and chocolate liqueurs usually taste of cocoa and dessert chocolate, with a smooth, slightly rounded texture. Many are sweetened, and the sweetness changes how you mix with them. Because this is a flavored product, the classic neutral-vodka drinks need adjusting. A Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary or Cosmopolitan relies on a clean spirit, and cocoa notes tend to clash with ginger beer, tomato and cranberry. Dessert-style drinks are the better fit. An Espresso Martini is the most natural one. Shake the spirit hard with fresh espresso and ice, and cut back or skip the coffee liqueur and sugar syrup if the bottle is already sweet. A chocolate martini works the same way: shake with ice, strain, and add a splash of cream or a dash of coffee liqueur if you want a richer drink. For a simple long drink, try it over ice with cold milk, cream or coffee. For serving, chill the bottle well in the refrigerator or freezer. Cold tames sweetness and makes the texture thicker and silkier. Pour it neat into a small chilled glass, or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Strain shaken cocktails into a chilled martini glass, and a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings on top is a useful finish. It goes well with dark chocolate, brownies, roasted nuts, vanilla ice cream, or coffee.