Snickertini

The Snickertini wasn’t one of my creations — it was passed down to me behind the bar long before I had built much confidence in my recipes. I remember the first time I saw it made, standing on the other side of the well, still getting used to the rhythm of the craft.

A couple came in, the kind who always seemed to be a step ahead of the menu, and asked the seasoned bartender working beside me for a “Snickertini.” 

I watched him pull bottle after bottle from the shelves: chocolate liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, Frangelico. He lined everything up with quiet ease, added the cream, gave it a solid shake, and finished it with crushed peanuts and a swirl of chocolate.

The first sip earned a smile from the guests that I’ve never forgotten. Later that night, once the crowd had thinned, I asked about the recipe. 

He just grinned and slid a handwritten note my way, along with a quiet piece of advice: “A drink like this isn’t about the ingredients — it’s about the feeling it leaves behind.”

Since that night, I’ve made the Snickertini for all kinds of occasions — date nights, birthday toasts, even a few breakups — and every time, it still feels like serving up a little moment of comfort.

Flavor Profile

The Snickertini is rich, nutty, and smooth. The chocolate liqueur brings a deep, cocoa base while Frangelico rounds out the edges with its signature hazelnut warmth. 

Butterscotch schnapps adds that perfect caramel note, and the cream turns the whole experience into a silky, dessert-like sip. 

The crushed peanuts add a welcome texture and tie the drink back to its candy bar inspiration.

Food Pairings

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels — The sweet-salty contrast sharpens the cocktail’s flavors.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake — The creamy texture complements the drink’s richness, while the peanut butter plays into the hazelnut and caramel notes.

Salted Caramel Brownies — Pair beautifully with the butterscotch and chocolate in the cocktail.

Candied Bacon — Smoky, sweet, and salty — a bold pairing for the smooth and nutty Snickertini.

Toffee Crunch Ice Cream — Amplifies the caramel and nutty character while offering a cool, creamy contrast.

Similar Drinks

Mudslide — Chocolate, Irish cream, and vodka blended into a rich and boozy dessert.

Nutty Russian — A White Russian with Frangelico standing in for coffee liqueur.

Caramel White Russian — Butterscotch schnapps and vodka, served over ice with cream for a caramel-driven twist.

Twix Martini — A chocolate-caramel martini with a biscuit-crumb rim.

Peanut Butter Cup Martini — A chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream in cocktail form.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini — Sweet caramel and bitter espresso balanced over vodka.

Chocolate Martini — Pure, elegant chocolate served up in a martini glass.

Hazelnut Mocha Martini — Coffee and hazelnut liqueurs unite for a silky, nutty sip.

Almond Joy Martini — Coconut, chocolate, and almond — a tropical candy bar experience.

Creamy Butterscotch Martini — Butterscotch forward, smooth, and dessert-worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the Snickertini without cream?
A: You can swap in almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist without sacrificing much texture.

Q: Is the Snickertini overly sweet?
A: It’s a dessert cocktail for sure, but the vodka and Frangelico keep it from tipping into syrupy territory.

Q: Can I serve it over ice?
A: Traditionally, it’s served straight up, but on warm nights, a few cubes in a rocks glass work just fine.

Q: What garnish works best?
A: Crushed peanuts, a swirl of chocolate syrup, and even a little whipped cream if you want to lean into the candy bar vibe.

Q: How do I make the chocolate swirl look clean?
A: Chill your glass first, then slowly rotate as you drizzle the syrup to get smooth, even patterns.