Chocolate liqueur is a sweet, chocolate-flavored liqueur that dates back to 1666 in France. It is typically made with chocolate extract, vanilla extract, vodka, and simple syrup, with an alcohol content of 20-25% ABV.
History
Chocolate liqueur is not a modern invention. Mentions of its production and sale in France date back to 1666. In pre-revolutionary 18th century New England, 'chocolate wine' was popular, containing sherry, port, chocolate, and sugar. French guides from 1780 and 1803 included recipes for chocolate liqueur, similar recipes appeared in early 19th century American cookbooks, and similar recipes were published in guides and encyclopedias throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries in French, English, and Spanish.
How it is made
Early 19th century recipes used cocoa beans. The modern homemade recipe typically includes chocolate extract, vanilla extract, vodka, and simple syrup. Glycerin can be added to stabilize the suspension and make the liqueur thicker. Pure chocolate liqueur is transparent but coloring may be added. Some recipes include raw eggs, which pose a salmonella risk; this can be mitigated by mixing eggs with alcohol before adding other ingredients.
Types and styles
There are three types of chocolate liqueur: liqueur, cream liqueur, and crème de cacao. Chocolate liqueurs include brands like Afrikoco, Ashanti Gold, and Sabra liqueur. Cream chocolate liqueurs include Cadbury Cream Liqueur and Mozart White Chocolate Cream. Crème de cacao can be clear or dark (caramel-colored), with 'crème' referring to its creamy texture despite containing no dairy, with alcohol content typically between 20-25% ABV.
How it is served
Chocolate liqueur is best enjoyed after dinner rather than as an aperitif. It is used in mixed drinks and desserts, including dessert sauces, cakes, and truffles. Some recipes recommend adding a small amount of chocolate liqueur to melted chocolate, though it may cause the chocolate to seize. It is also used in some cocktails that combine strong red wine with chocolate liqueur.
Cocktails
Chocolate liqueur is featured in several cocktails on this site, including Brandy Alexander, BDSM, Foreign Legion, Tiramisu, Rattlesnake, No. 5, Coal, Perfect Nikka, Beton Cappuccino, Mulatto Daisy, Chocolate Milk, Empellón Cocina's Fat-Washed Mezcal, Kořeněné Jablko (spicy Apple), and Sweet Tooth.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Шоколадный ликёр, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- Sabra liqueur (Israel)