Chocolate liqueur is a type of liqueur that is either artificially or naturally flavored with chocolate or cocoa beans. Chocolate liqueurs have been made since the middle of the 17th century, and were commonly homemade in the 18th and 19th centuries.
While all chocolate liqueurs are sweet, there is a type of chocolate liqueur called crème de cacao which is a degree sweeter. Crème de cacao comes in a clear (called white) or a brown (called dark) version which are the same except for the coloring.
There are three major categories of chocolate liqueur. The above mentioned crème de cacao, which is always transparent, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate cream liqueur, which are opaque, and have either dairy or eggs as a thickening agent.
Some common brands of chocolate liqueur include Godiva and Mozart.
Chocolate liqueurs can also be flavored with other ingredients that work well with chocolate, like coffee, orange, or mint. Sabra makes an chocolate and orange liqueur, while Vandermint makes a chocolate and mint liqueur.
Most chocolate liqueurs are between 40 and 50 proof.
Some popular cocktails containing Chocolate liqueur
- After Eight — Fernet Branca, Becherovka, Bitters, Chocolate liqueur, Egg white, Agave syrup, Cocoa powder
- The Failed Contract of Ladd & Co. — Barbados Rum, Ruby Port, Chocolate liqueur, Griotte, Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, Allspice Tincture, Coconut milk, Coffee syrup
- Kořeněné Jablko (Spicy Apple) — Apple liqueur, Kinnickinnic Whiskey, Becherovka, Bitters, Chocolate liqueur, Lemon juice, Honey syrup
- Gato Negro Instantáneo — Mezcal, Amaro Lucano, Chocolate liqueur
- Sale of Indulgences — Cognac VSOP, Fernet Branca, Chocolate liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Aztec Chocolate bitters
- Mexican Dessert Cocktail — Reposado Tequila, Sweet vermouth, Averna, Chocolate liqueur, Mezcal
- Dolly Varden — Cognac, Cherry Liqueur, Chocolate liqueur, Bitters, Brandied cherry