Chocolate is a truly remarkable ingredient that elicits strong emotions from enthusiasts. Fortunately, the realm of chocolate cocktails offers an incredible variety of options for those who appreciate both chocolate and mixed drinks.
Chocolate is derived from the fruit of cacao trees, which bear oval pods holding around 40 seeds known as cacao beans. Upon undergoing fermentation, drying, and roasting processes, the beans are separated from their husks and broken into small fragments, resulting in cacao nibs. These nibs are then ground to produce cocoa mass, also referred to as chocolate liquor, which is further pressed to obtain cocoa butter. Commonly, chocolate bars consist of both chocolate liquor and cocoa butter as ingredients.
Conversely, cocoa powder is made from the finely ground cocoa beans that remain after extracting cocoa butter. It is important to note that chocolate itself does not possess a natural sweetness; however, sugar is often incorporated to enhance its intense bitter flavor and make it more appealing to the palate.
Cacao as an alcoholic element might have been utilized in beverages dating back to 1400 B.C.E. by fermenting the delightful, fruity pulp of the cacao fruit. During the 16th century, French monks reportedly pioneered the creation of creme de cacao, a delectable liqueur crafted with cacao nibs and sugar. This historical evidence emphasizes the rich tradition of incorporating chocolate into enticing alcoholic concoctions.
With its distinct bittersweet essence, chocolate can enhance a wide array of cocktails, ranging from luxurious dessert beverages such as the Chocolate Martini to sophisticated concoctions like the Tootsie Roll, a chocolate-infused variation of the classic Manhattan. Indulge in the captivating world of chocolate cocktails and elevate your drinking experience.
Ways to add Chocolate to Cocktails
Crème de Cacao/Dark Crème de Cacao — Creme de cacao, a dark brown liqueur with a syrupy consistency, is produced using a process similar to coffee-making. Cacao beans or nibs are allowed to percolate into alcohol, which is then sweetened. Despite its name, creme de cacao does not contain any cream, although it is often combined with heavy cream in dessert drinks such as the Brandy Alexander. While it was once consumed as a standalone spirit or used as a base, creme de cacao is now primarily utilized as a sweetener, comparable to simple syrup, and to infuse drinks with a decadent chocolate flavor.
White Crème de Cacao — White creme de cacao, also known as clear creme de cacao, shares similarities with dark creme de cacao, but its flavor is derived from a distillate of cacao beans rather than an extract. It offers a more delicate chocolate taste and may exhibit stronger hints of vanilla compared to its dark counterpart. However, in the context of dark versus white creme de cacao, the distinction often lies in the aesthetic aspect. Bartenders may opt for the white variation to preserve the desired visual appeal of a cocktail.
Chocolate Liqueur — Chocolate liqueur can be produced using various methods, such as percolation or distillation of cacao beans, or by incorporating pre-made chocolate into a base spirit. Unlike creme de cacao, which is typically used in cocktails, chocolate liqueurs are often enjoyed on their own or added to indulgent beverages like the Chocolate Martini. It is worth noting that certain chocolate liqueurs are cream-based, which is usually mentioned on the label.
Chocolate Bitters — Chocolate bitters are commonly produced by infusing a strong alcoholic essence (or occasionally a non-alcoholic substance such as glycerin) with various ingredients, including cacao nibs or cocoa. Alternately, you might come across cocoa bitters or mole bitters, which incorporate cacao as well as spices like cinnamon and chile. Similar to other bitters, they are typically utilized in small quantities to enhance the flavor profile of a cocktail. Chocolate bitters present an excellent choice for imparting subtle chocolate notes to beverages that traditionally call for Angostura bitters, such as the classic Old Fashioned.
1. Chocolate Martini
The rise in popularity of flavored Martinis during the 1990s led to the emergence of this indulgent beverage. This recipe combines both chocolate liqueur and dark creme de cacao with vodka and a touch of rich cream. The vodka’s neutral character provides a strong foundation for this drink, allowing the full-bodied chocolate flavor to take center stage.
2. Grasshopper
The Grasshopper, one of the most renowned mid-century dessert drinks, is distinguished by its reliance on a combination of creme de cacao and heavy cream. This iconic concoction, which incorporates the refreshing flavors of mint-flavored creme de menthe, first emerged in New Orleans in 1919, but gained widespread popularity during the vibrant disco era of the 1970s. To preserve the Grasshopper’s signature green hue, it is essential to utilize white creme de cacao in its preparation.
3. Tootsie Roll
The Tootsie Roll beverage goes beyond its whimsical title, presenting a refined and sophisticated encounter. This captivating mixture fuses rye whiskey, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and plentiful chocolate bitters, bypassing the usage of flavored vodka or chocolate syrup. Rather like a chocolate infused Manhattan, it skillfully incorporates the remarkably luscious and deep Pedro Ximénez sherry, evoking the essence of a delightful dessert.
4. Rich Coffee
Indulge in the delightful amalgamation of tastes found in the luxurious Rich Coffee. This remarkable concoction merges the renowned Tempus Fugit creme de cacao, the Italian-crafted Fernet-Branca, celebrated for its robust herbal and minty undertones, along with freshly brewed coffee. Rich Coffee guarantees a soothing and invigorating indulgence, certain to enrapture your senses.
5. Golden Cadillac
During the 1970s, the Golden Cadillac experienced its pinnacle of popularity, coinciding with the reign of Galliano as a dominant force. This exquisite libation harmoniously fuses the elements of Galliano, white creme de cacao, and a luscious cream, resulting in a resplendent and velvety elixir. Imbued with the delightful flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and anise, this beverage exudes opulence and indulgence. Despite its sweetness, the inclusion of herbal Galliano imparts a surprising depth and intricacy, transcending its mere dessert-like facade.
6. Bushwacker
The Bushwacker, a popular chilled beverage found in beachfront establishments worldwide, originated from the creative mind of Angie Conigliaro, a talented bartender at Ship’s Store & Sapphire Pub on St. Thomas island in 1975. This exquisite concoction, featuring a blend of dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao, whole milk, and cream of coconut, boasts a delectable flavor profile that falls somewhere between a Frozen Piña Colada and a Mudslide.
7. Left Hand
Crafted by renowned mixologist Sam Ross, famous for his creations like the Penicillin and Paper Plane cocktails, the Left Hand. This tantalizing libation reinvents the classic Negroni by skillfully substituting gin with bourbon, resulting in a rich and sophisticated flavor profile. Meticulously adjusting the proportions and artfully incorporating chocolate bitters, the Left Hand emerges as an alluring and distinctive beverage that is sure to captivate the discerning palate of cocktail enthusiasts.
8. Twentieth Century
The Twentieth Century cocktail is a delightful blend of gin, blanc vermouth, white creme de cacao, and lemon juice. This exquisite drink draws its name from the luxurious Twentieth Century Limited train, which operated between New York City and Chicago for over six decades. The addition of the subtly floral blanc vermouth imparts a smooth and gentle character to the gin, harmonizing perfectly with the touch of sweetness brought by the creme de cacao. In essence, this cocktail closely resembles the renowned Corpse Reviver No. 2, where the creme de cacao serves as a delectable substitute for the traditional orange liqueur.
9. 21st Century
Inspired by the timeless Twentieth Century cocktail, renowned mixologist Jim Meehan has ingeniously crafted the groundbreaking 21st Century cocktail. In this innovative libation, the traditional gin base is expertly substituted with tequila, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. A dash of absinthe, creme de cacao, and lemon juice are artfully added, producing a remarkable amalgamation of rich, sour, and sweet notes. This exceptional creation, perfect for indulging after a satisfying meal, embodies the epitome of the 21st century cocktail experience.
10. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander, a variation of the Alexander cocktail, draws inspiration from the often overlooked original recipe that featured gin as its base. This rendition, once referred to as the Alexander #2, incorporates rich dark creme de cacao and indulgent heavy cream. While it is occasionally prepared with equal parts, those seeking a spirit-forward libation can opt for a more generous measure of the brandy, ensuring a well-balanced libation that avoids excessive sweetness.
11. Golden Phone
