Creme de Cacao is a chocolate liqueur that combines the indulgent flavor of chocolate with the warmth of alcohol.
A beloved ingredient in many cocktails, it infuses drinks with a sweet and chocolatey dimension.
It’s a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Brandy Alexander and Grasshopper, making it a bartender’s staple.
But before you mix your next cocktail, let me guide you through everything you need to know about this liqueur.
From creme de cacao’s history to taste profile to how it’s made, I have it all covered!
What Is Creme de Cacao?
Creme de cacao is a sweet, chocolate-flavored liqueur made from cocoa beans. It’s typically blended with whiskey or vodka.
Despite its name, it contains no cream. The “creme” refers to its smooth, syrupy texture due to its high sugar content.
It’s made from cocoa beans, blended with a neutral spirit like whiskey or vodka. It’s typically infused with vanilla for aromatic depth.
There are two main types: white and dark creme de cacao. They’re crafted differently, giving each a unique flavor profile.
Beyond cocktails, creme de cacao is a versatile dessert addition. It offers a decadent chocolatey twist to recipes like cakes and mousses.
History of Creme de Cacao
Creme de cacao is one of the oldest known liqueurs, originating in France in the late 16th century.
French monks are credited with its creation, using cocoa beans to make a beverage to cure ailments.
Initially, it was savored on its own, much like other liqueurs of the time.
In the mid-19th century, as cocktail culture emerged, people started to use liqueurs as flavor additions to mixed drinks.
For a time, creme de cacao was relegated to the bottom shelves due to its perceived excessive sweetness and syrupy textures.
The 1980s and 1990s marked a resurgence in creme de cacao’s popularity. This coincided with a chocolate craze and the rise of dessert cocktails.
Today, creme de cacao is a versatile player in the cocktail world. It shines in classics like the Grasshopper and the Golden Cadillac.
How It’s Made
Buying creme de cacao at a store is easy, but making it at home is just as simple and fun.
1. Combine the ingredients. Mix vodka or whiskey, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans in a clean container.
2. Let the flavors develop. Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Gently shake the container every day.
3. Strain it. After 2 weeks, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
4. Flavor it with simple syrup. Boil sugar and water until dissolved. Mix the simple syrup. Transfer the mixture to a bottle. Let the liqueur rest for 2 more days.
5. Serve it and enjoy! Use it in cocktails or serve it chilled.
What Does It Taste Like?
Creme de cacao is sweet and chocolatey.
The white variety has a mild milk chocolate flavor with hints of vanilla. The dark type offers a deeper chocolate richness.
Creme de Cacao Varieties
As I’ve mentioned, creme de cacao has dark and white varieties. Each results from a different production process.
Dark Creme de Cacao
Dark creme de cacao is made using a percolation process. It’s similar to making coffee, using alcohol instead of water to drip through cacao beans.
This variety has a rich brown color and a robust, intense chocolate flavor. It’s ideal for dark drinks, such as brandy and bourbon cocktails.
White Creme de Cacao
White creme de cacao is produced using a distillation method. Cacao beans are soaked in a mixture of water and alcohol in a distillation still.
The beans are lightly crushed to release flavor, and the distillate may be infused with more cacao or vanilla beans.
This variety is clear, with a lighter, subtler chocolate flavor and a hint of vanilla aroma.
It’s a great addition to delicate cocktails. It imparts a mild chocolate note without altering the drink’s color.
Is Creme de Cacao the Same As Chocolate Liqueur?
No, creme de cacao and chocolate liqueur are not the same.
Creme de cacao is not creamy but has a strong cocoa flavor.
Chocolate liqueur, in contrast, is thick and creamy, often resembling chocolate cream or syrup. It’s generally sweeter and less focused on the pure cocoa flavor.
How to Drink Creme de Cacao
There are several ways to savor the rich, chocolatey notes of creme de cacao. Sip it neat or blend it into indulgent cocktails. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Straight. Enjoy Creme de Cacao as a digestif after dinner.
- On the rocks. Savor it over crushed ice for a refreshing experience.
- Shooters. Use it as a base for flavorful shooter recipes.
- Coffee. Stir into hot coffee or a latte for a warming, chocolatey twist.
- Dessert. Pour it over ice cream or incorporate it into boozy dessert recipes.
- Twentieth Century Cocktail. Mix it with gin, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice.
- Commodore Cocktail. Combine with bourbon, grenadine, and lemon.
- Brandy Alexander Cocktail. Mix it with brandy and cream. Garnish it with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Grasshopper Drink. Combine it with crème de Menthe and cream.
Best Substitutes for Creme de Cacao
Here are the best substitutes for creme de cacao, categorized by the dark and white varieties:
For Dark Creme de Cacao:
- Chocolate Liqueur. It has a similar flavor profile but is usually sweeter and more soupy. Godiva is a popular option. This one’s a great creme de cacao substitute in baked goods.
- Kahlua. It’s a sweet coffee liqueur with notes of vanilla. It has a thicker consistency than creme de cacao, with a nice espresso flavor.
- Irish Cream Liqueur (like Baileys). This contains a hint of chocolate flavor and can be a creamy substitute.
- DIY Option. Mix chocolate syrup and vodka for a quick makeshift version.
For White/Clear Creme de Cacao:
- White Chocolate Liqueur (like Godiva). It’s a good alternative, but it’s creamy and could alter the cocktail’s appearance and flavor.
- Vanilla Vodka. It’s a clear substitute that adds vanilla flavor, akin to the subtle vanilla notes in white creme de cacao.
