Black Forest Shake cocktail in collins glass, served with traditional garnish

Shake

Black Forest Shake

The Black Forest Shake is a decadent blend that captures the essence of the classic Black Forest cake. This indulgent cocktail combines rich chocolate liqueur, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a splash of cherry brandy, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a delightful finish. Perfect for dessert lovers, it's a sweet treat that tantalizes the taste buds with every sip.

  • chocolate
  • cherry
  • creamy
  • rich
Arthur
By ArthurCocktail HistorianPublished Reviewed
Prep Time
5 min
Glass
Collins Glass
Difficulty
Easy
Yields
1 serving
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The Black Forest Shake is a shake built on brandy, celebrated for its chocolate and cherry character — a consistently top-searched dessert. Whether you're after a reliable holiday gatherings option or simply want to master a classic, this 5-minute recipe is straightforward enough for home bars yet refined enough to impress. Perfect if you've been searching for the best party.

Ingredients

Serves
1 serving
Glass
Collins Glass
Prep
5 min
  • cubesIce
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Cherry brandy
  • Vodka
  • Milk

Method

Preparation

  1. 01

    In a blender put ice cubes, chocolate syrup, cherry brandy, vodka, and milk. Blend very well.

Origin

History & Origins

The Black Forest Shake is a modern dessert cocktail that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the depth of coffee liqueur, drawing inspiration from the famous Black Forest cake. This contemporary creation has become a favorite in upscale cocktail bars for those seeking indulgent after-dinner drinks that balance sweetness with sophisticated spirits.

Bartender’s Insight

Pro Tips

Use fresh cream and shake vigorously with ice for a silky smooth texture

From Arthur

  • garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for visual appeal

  • serve immediately to preserve the creamy texture

  • consider chilling the glass beforehand for optimal temperature

At the Table

Perfect Pairings

Dark chocolate truffles
vanilla panna cotta
coffee cake
cherry cheesecake
chocolate-covered berries
tiramisu
espresso
blackberry tart

Beyond the Classic

Variations

Black Forest Martini

A silky martini-style version served up in a chilled coupe glass with a cherry garnish

Chocolate Cherry Shake

incorporates fresh cherry liqueur and dark rum for a lighter, more spirit-forward interpretation

Dark Cocoa Sour

uses whiskey and fresh lemon juice for a balanced sour variation with chocolate notes

Questions

Frequently Asked

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