The Grinch with Chocolate Almond Rochers

Far friendlier than its name sounds, this cocktail is a twist on the classic cream nightcaps of days gone by—but with some herbal complexity and a bright, well-crafted blanco tequila, since that spirit was born to be paired with rich dark chocolate.

1 1/2 oz Herradura Silver Tequila

(LCBO 13510, $74.95)

3/4 oz green crème de menthe 1/2 oz Chartreuse Green

(LCBO 37333, 375 mL, $37.85) 1/2 oz whipping cream

5 drops chocolate bitters (see TIP) 3 tbsp (45 mL) vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup (125 mL) crushed ice

Dark chocolate for garnish

1 Blend tequila, crème de menthe, Chartreuse, whipping cream, bitters, ice cream and ice in a blender on high for 10 seconds and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.

2 Using a fine grater, garnish with a generous shaving of chocolate.

Makes 1 cocktail

TIP Chocolate bitters can be purchased at cocktail supply shops, such as the Crafty Bartender (thecraftybartender.com). Alternatively, 1/4 oz crème de cacao can be used instead of bitters.