Chocolate Liqueur

Chocolate Liquor vs Chocolate Liqueur (Plus A Bonus DIY Recipe!)

April 5, 2022

I know I’ve told you before that my favorite chocolate drink is a rich and creamy hot chocolate… but what I haven’t told you is what I’m saving for special occasions (or bad days!) which is the star of today’s show – chocolate liqueur.

First, let’s clear the air. What is chocolate liqueur and how is it different from chocolate liquor?

Chocolate Liquor

Chocolate liquor is the base form of chocolate. It is derived by grinding peeled cacao nibs using stones until a thick chocolate paste is formed and then liquefied. In a previous article, when the chocolate paste is molded into balls or tablets, it will create what we call Tablea (Filipino term), or raw chocolate blocks.

You can use chocolate liquor to create dark and milk chocolates, while its alteration can be made into milk chocolates by using its cocoa fat. You can also mix it with other ingredients to make ice cream, beverages, and baked goods. It is also commonly called unsweetened baking chocolate.

Does chocolate liquor contain alcohol? No.

Does it contain caffeine? Yes. After all, it is made from cacao nibs and the nibs contain caffeine, so the liquor does as well. And since chocolate liquor is the basic form of chocolate, it contains more caffeine than those of processed chocolate bars with added sugar or milk.

More traits that chocolate liquor inherited from the cacao nibs are being vegan and dairy free. Since cacao nibs are from the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, they do not contain dairy and are vegan. They do have cocoa butter though, but that is technically plant-based so it’s still not dairy. It’s important to note that when the liquor is used to make other chocolate products, there are added ingredients which may contain dairy. So, it’s always best to double check information before buying (or eating).

Now that that’s out in the open, let’s talk about the one that does have alcohol content.

Chocolate Liqueur

Chocolate liqueur is a beverage made by adding chocolate to an alcoholic-based liquor. It is not limited to dark chocolate though, so it can also be milk or white chocolate. Some popular examples are Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. These are often served after a meal like dessert, used in cooking or baking yummy goods, or as chocolate fillings. Of course, you can also just have it whenever you feel like it! I like pouring it in my coffee!mozart chocolate cream

To top all the things we just learned, here are 3 versions of quick and easy Chocolate Liqueur recipes you should definitely try:

Without Milk

  • 1 1/3 cups vodka
  • 2/3 cup cacao nibs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (good quality)
  • 1 glass jar with sealable lid
  • Strainer and filter

What to do:

In a glass jar, add the cacao nibs and vodka then shake and let steep for 8 days.

After the 8 days, when the base is ready, combine sugar and water into a pot and let it boil.

Let the sugar syrup cool, then pour to the base in the glass jar together with the vanilla extract. Steep for one more day!

Strain and filter the cacao nibs and then you’re done! Best served over ice.

 

With Milk

  • 2/3 cup vodka
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 cups 2 percent milk
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy or whipping cream

What to do:

Combine sugar and cocoa first then add milk and cream in a large pot. Mix well.

When everything is mixed well, place pot over medium heat. Continue stirring until it boils.

Slow boil for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

Add the vodka and mix thoroughly then pour into a bottle.

You can either refrigerate until it’s cold, then shake well before serving, or just add ice and sip away!

 

With Milk But Sweeter

  • 2 cups vodka
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (good quality)
  • 3.5oz/100g of baking chocolate bar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can/14oz. sweetened condensed milk

What to do:

Cut chocolate bar into smaller pieces.

Heat whole milk over low heat until it simmers, then remove heat and add the chocolate pieces. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes then stir.

When everything is mixed well and still hot, pour condensed milk, vanilla, and vodka. Mix thoroughly then pour into a bottle.

You can either refrigerate until it’s cold, then shake well before serving, or just add ice and sip away!

That’s it! Which one are you making or have already tried before?

You can also experiment by using other types of alcohol such as tequila or whiskey. In fact, we have one where we used rum as a base. Check it out here.

Share yours on social media and tag me on Facebook and Twitter so I can check them out!

Now that we settled the difference between chocolate liquor and chocolate liqueur, it’s time to share this chocolaty knowledge to your chocolate loving friends and impress them with your chosen recipe! Or, you know, you can always save the ones you make all for yourself, I mean, for special occasions. 😉

Chocolate and Wine TastingRelax with Chocolate and Wine

Red wine is healthy too. What happens when you combine chocolate and wine? Health, flavor, and fun! The CUO Chocolate and Wine Tasting Guide will show you how to pair chocolate and wine for amazing experiences of your own or with friends.

Carissa Isip
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