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    Home » Recipes » Liquors

    The Best Homemade Chocolate Liqueur Recipe

    Published: Jan 31, 2020 · Modified: Aug 19, 2024. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Recipe Jump to Video
    Homemade chocolate liqueur Pin
    Homemade chocolate liqueur Pin
    Homemade chocolate liqueur Pin
    This homemade chocolate liqueur is so creamy, rich and intense that regular hot chocolate will no longer have a place in your life. Offer a small glass of this chocolate alcohol drink to your guests after dinner and you will see their eyes sparkle! Even better, make some extra bottles to give away as an edible gift and you will be remembered forever.

    This homemade chocolate liqueur is so creamy, rich, and intense that regular hot chocolate will no longer have a place in your life. With this chocolate liqueur, you can elevate your cocktail experience or simply enjoy a rich and creamy drink to satisfy your sweet cravings. After dinner, you can offer it in a small glass or pour it over ice cream or a strawberry cake. Make some extra bottles to give away as a great edible gift to all chocolate lovers.

    Homemade chocolate liqueur in a vintage bottle poured in two glasses
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions with images
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage and Shelf Life
    • No risk of botulism
    • Origins of this recipe
    • FAQ
    • More homemade liqueurs recipes
    • Setting up a liqueur workshop
    • More chocolate recipes
    • 📋Homemade Chocolate Liqueur recipe

    This homemade  chocolate liqueur recipe is from Perugia in Umbria, the Italian town famous for its chocolate Baci Perugina, small bite-sized chocolate with hazelnuts wrapped in a blue silver paper with a love message inside. It is the Italian version of the Godiva chocolate liqueur

    If you want to make your own chocolate liqueur, you need to get started as soon as possible as it has to rest for 2 months.

    From rich chocolate flavor to coffee-infused delights, your homemade liqueur journey begins with a few simple steps and the finest quality ingredients.

    During the first month, the alcohol has to infuse with the vanilla, then another month for the cocoa, syrup and alcohol to brew. Don't take any shortcuts; it is during this resting time that the flavors merge together into an unforgettable magical experience.

    For more homemade liqueur recipes, you can check: homemade orange liqueur, limoncello, and strawberry liqueur.

    For the entire collection, check the category: homemade liqueurs.

    Pouring the chocolate liqueur

    Ingredients

    To make a homemade chocolate liqueur, you'll need the following ingredients:

    • Sugar: You'll require sugar as it adds sweetness to the liqueur. The amount of sugar can vary depending on how sweet you want your drink to be.
    • Cocoa powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder to achieve a rich and intense chocolate flavor. I used the best chocolate brand here in France. At the famous Chocolate city of Valrhona I stocked up with the most delicious chocolate and cocoa. I highly recommend buying the best cocoa you can find in your country, and it is really important for the best outcome of this liqueur. You need to use unsweetened chocolate as the syrup will make the chocolate liqueur very sweet.
    • Water: It dissolves the sugar and cocoa powder to create a sugar syrup base for the liqueur.
    • Base Alcohol: In Italy, we use 95% pure alcohol. Vodka is also a popular choice of alcohol for this recipe. However, you can try other options like rum or even high-proof alcohol like Everclear.
    • Vanilla pods: some recipes use vanilla extract, but I recommend soaking the vanilla pods in the alcohol to really extract the natural flavor

    Check the recipe card for the quantity.

    Hint: This recipe has no heavy cream or milk, so this chocolate liqueur is non-perishable with a very long shelf life.

    Valrhona chocolate shopping basket

    Step by step instructions with images

    Infuse the vanilla pods into the alcohol

    1. Cut the vanilla bean in half,
    2. Scrape the seeds into a jar
    3. Cut the pod into small pieces and add into the jar
    4. Pour over the alcohol
    5. Let the vanilla bean brew in the alcohol in the sealed jar for 1 month
    6. After one month you can proceed to the next phase
    Brewing the vanilla into alcohol

    Prepare the chocolate syrup

    1. Prepare a simple syrup by melting the sugar in water in a large saucepan
    2. Let it simmer at medium heat for a few minutes
    3. Add the cocoa gradually
    4. Always stir until it melts into the syrup completely
    5. Let it simmer for 5 minutes
    6. Remove from the heat, cover and let it cool down to room temperature

    Hint: Ensure the saucepan is large enough, as the chocolate syrup will increase in volume when boiled

    making the chocolate syrup

    Mixing it all

    1. Once cold, filter the chocolate syrup with a fine-mesh strainer
    2. Sieve also the alcohol which was infused with the vanilla pods
    3. Stir well for at least 10 minutes to make sure all is combined
    mixing it all
    1. The liqueur should have a creamy consistency
    2. Using a ladle, transfer the liquor into bottles or large mason jar
    3. Close the bottles with a cork and wait another month before drinking it
    Pouring it into bottles

    Top tips

    • Use good-quality cocoa
    • Do not replace vanilla pod with vanilla extract
    • Use a large pan when making the syrup to ensure it doesn't spill when you add the cocoa. You will be adding a lot of cocoa
    • Once you combine the cocoa syrup with the alcohol, you will have to mix for a long time. You may want to use an electric mixer.
    • If you want to have a creamier liqueur use less water ( 2 ¼ cups - 500 ml) to make the syrup, however, it is then best to store it in a jar instead of a bottle as you may have to spoon it out.
    • You can always adjust the consistency after the liqueur is done. Add more hot water to make it more liquid and more alcohol to make it more alcoholic. Remember to measure the added amount to reproduce the same consistency and taste later.
    • You can also use this chocolate alcohol drink over ice cream or in sponge cakes
    Homemade chocolate liqueur in a vintage bottle poured in two glasses

    Serving Suggestions

    When it comes to enjoying your homemade chocolate liqueur, the possibilities are nearly endless.

    You can savor it in a variety of dessert cocktails and special occasions. Here are some great ideas to make the most of your delicious liqueur.

    A simple and classic way to serve your chocolate liqueur is in an elegant chocolate cocktail.

    You can mix it with vodka and a splash of cream to recreate a decadent chocolate martini recipe.

    Garnish with shaved chocolate, white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder, and you've got a sophisticated drink perfect for holidays or celebrations.

    If you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, add a shot of your chocolate liqueur to a cup of hot cocoa or hot coffee.

    This delightful combination can be taken to another level by topping it off with a dollop of whipped cream.

    Unsweetened cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup will add an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.

    When it comes to desserts, your chocolate liqueur can also be a fantastic addition to a variety of sweet treats.

    Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a delectable, grown-up dessert, or mix it into a creamy, velvety mousse.

    Pair it with fresh fruit or a warm slice of cake for a special treat to finish a meal.

    This homemade rich chocolate liqueur is also a great gift idea for family and friends

    Creamier chocolate liqueur

    Dessert you can pair with it

    You can use this liqueur with many different desserts, but I really recommend some cookies like butter biscuit, meringues, Italian donuts or chiacchiere to dip into it.

    Any fresh fruit or fruit cake will also go very well, like a Tarte Tatin or a pear crumble, apple cake with plenty of apples, jam crostata or strawberry shortcake

    desserts and home made liquors

    Storage and Shelf Life

    When making and storing homemade chocolate liqueur, it's important to remember certain guidelines to maintain its quality and flavor over time.

    Proper storage conditions play a significant role in extending the shelf life of your chocolate liqueur.

    First, store your chocolate liqueur in a cool, dark place, away from direct heat or sunlight.

    This will help preserve its rich flavor and aroma.

    It's also essential to keep the bottle tightly sealed after each use, as exposure to air can cause oxidation and affect the liqueur's taste.

    There's no need to refrigerate your homemade chocolate liqueur, as it has a relatively long shelf life due to its alcohol content.

    However, if you'd like to prolong its life even further, you can store it in the refrigerator.

    Just remember to give it a gentle shake before serving, as the cold temperature may cause the chocolate to settle at the bottom.

    An opened chocolate liqueur bottle lasts 12-18 months if stored properly, while an unopened bottle lasts up to 2 years.

    Again, following the aforementioned storage guidelines will ensure that you preserve the best quality of your liqueur.

    Homemade chocolate liqueur in a vintage bottle poured in two glasses

    No risk of botulism

    Since a reader asked, I would like to reassure everyone who has doubts, this liqueur is not at risk of botulism. This recipe uses Alcohol 95% or vodka 50% of ethanol.

    A study proves botulism cannot grow in Alcohol: ”The growth and neurotoxin production (botulism) was delayed by an ethanol concentration of 4% ethanol and completely inhibited by a concentration of 6%”.

    Effect of Ethanol on the growth of Colstridium botulinum

    Botulism concerns home canning… not fermentation or infusions of fruits and vegetables. Here is more information about botulism from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service:

    Clostridium Botulinum

    homemade Italian liqueurs edible gifts

    Origins of this recipe

    I tried this chocolate liqueur for the first time at the Eurochocolate fair in Perugia, Umbria.

    As many of you may know Perugia is the native town of the famous chocolate Baci Perugina, a small bite-sized chocolate with hazelnuts wrapped in blue silver paper with a love message inside.

    This Eurochocolate festival is held every year, and the entire historic center of Perugia is packed with chocolate stands.

    The town is invaded for a few days, and you can find chocolate in any form, even gigantic chocolate sculptures.

    This was the first time I tasted this chocolate liqueur, and I was hooked. I had to add this liqueur recipe to my homemade liqueurs series.

    When I visited my mom, I spent a lot of time searching for this recipe in her vast cooking library and found it in an old magazine of Cucina Italiana published during the '60s.

    Eurochocolate Perugia

    FAQ

    What is the difference between chocolate liquor and liqueur?

    Chocolate liquor is a thick, dark paste made from pure cocoa beans during the chocolate-making process. It contains no alcohol and is used as a base ingredient in many chocolate products. On the other hand, chocolate liqueur is a sweet alcoholic beverage that combines chocolate or cocoa with a base spirit and sweetener. Be sure not to confuse the two when following recipes.

    What can I use as a substitute for chocolate liqueur in a recipe?

    If you don't have chocolate liqueur on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and your choice of base spirit, such as vodka or rum. Just mix the cocoa powder and sugar with the spirit until the desired sweetness and thickness are achieved.

    More homemade liqueurs recipes

    Homemade liqueurs are such a satisfying project; enjoy them after dinner with your partner on a special day, offer them at the end of a dinner party or package them in fancy bottles as an edible gift.

    I already have some published, and more will come. Just be ready when the fruits are in season to start your collection:

    • limoncello
    • limoncello cream
    • nocino
    • curacao
    • strawberry liqueur
    • licorice liqueur
    • Italian eggnog VOV
    • violet liqueur
    • blueberry liqueur

    Check out the category: Homemade liquors

    You can also check out the web story: 9 Homemade Italian Liqueurs

    For those of you who like the thrill of the forbidden fruit, try to make Concord Grape Wine Fragolino.

    Banned in Europe for commercial use, you can only try it if you make it for personal consumption.

    Setting up a liqueur workshop

    You can easily create your liqueur workshop with just a few items. They are not expensive and you can order them online from my Amazon shop: Homemade Liqueur Lab. Those are my favorite and specially selected tools to make the process smooth and easy:

    1. Jars 67 ounce - 2 liters: I use large canning jars to infuse herbs or fruits in the alcohol. They are easily sealed and don't take much room in the cupboard. I usually brew different types of liqueurs at the same times so I need several jars. If you are an occasional liqueur maker, you can just use the bottle below.
    2. 1 gallon - 3-liters glass bottle: I use this bottle in the second part of the brewing process, once I add the syrup. It is a transparent glass bottle so I can check how the liqueur is progressing and if it needs a good shake. It is important that this bottle has a large neck so the residuals of the fruits, zests, spices, or herbs can be easily removed without any problem once the liqueur is ready to be bottled. Personally I have 2 of those large bottles.
    3. Funnel with a wide and short stem: When you are pouring the liqueur from one bottle to another during the brewing process, you need to have a funnel with a wide and short stem so it doesn't get clog with the ingredients that are brewing in the alcohol.
    4. Auto-stop funnel: However, once the liqueur is ready, filtered and all the solid particles have been removed, I like to use an auto-stop funnel with a floating system that stops the liquid from flowing once the bottled has been filled.

      It is very difficult to gauge how much liquid can fit in a bottle and I often fill the funnel way too much. Instead of overflowing the bottle, the auto-stop funnel locks the stem automatically and the excess liquid remains in the funnel.

      The funnel can be easily removed, transferred into another bottle using the handle that keeps the liquid inside the funnel and no liqueur is wasted.
    Mix Nocino with syrup and pour into bottles
    1. Fine Mesh Strainer: to remove all solids and particles from the liqueur once it is ready to be filtered.
    2. Measuring mugs: it is very important to use the exact proportion of syrup vs alcohol. Measurements mugs are a must.
    3. Ladle with spout: to easily pour the liquid into the funnels from a large bowl or pan. I always use the ladle with a spout to take the syrup from the pan where I boiled it into the funnel. If you don't have a pan with a spout, this is the easiest way to pour the syrup once it is cold.
    4. Fancy vintage bottles: I love to have my own liqueur assortment into those vintage bottles. It gives my homemade liqueurs an extra wow factor.
    5. Small glass bottles with lids: if you want to store the liqueurs in small bottles or if you want to give it as gifts to friends and family those small bottles are perfect. The lid seals and they can be easily carried. They even come with labels to write the name of the liqueur and the date.
    6. Shot glass set and/or Small liqueur glasses: it is very important to serve the liqueur in small shot glasses so it can be slowly sipped and relished.
    7. Good Grips Bottle Brush: to easily clean all the bottles after each use. Some liqueurs can be very sticky and stain easily like the walnut hull.
    8. If you want to give your liqueur an extra festive look you can also use the Rose Ice Cube Stackable to make rose ices or the ice cube with light to make your liqueur shine at night.
    homemade strawberry liqueur in a glass served with ice

    More chocolate recipes

    • Traditional Stracciatella Gelato Recipe With Milk Cream
      Traditional Stracciatella Gelato Recipe With Milk Cream
    • Marble Bundt Cake 3 slices cut
      Marble Bundt Cake (Ciambella)
    • Wild Boar Meat Stew With Rich Spicy Chocolate Sauce
      Wild Boar Stew With Chocolate (Cinghiale in Dolce Forte)
    • Walnut Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake slice cut
      Chocolate Sponge Cake With Walnuts

    If you are making this homemade chocolate liqueur leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, or sign up to my newsletter.

    Homemade Chocolate Liqueur

    📋Homemade Chocolate Liqueur recipe

    5 from 6 votes
    Laura Tobin
    Servings 2 bottles (1.3 pint - 75 cl)
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 13 minutes mins
    Resting time 60 days d
    Total Time 60 days d 18 minutes mins
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe
    This homemade chocolate liqueur is so creamy, rich and intense that regular hot chocolate will no longer have a place in your life.  This recipe doesn't have heavy cream nor milk,  therefore this alcoholic chocolate drink is non-perishable and has a long shelf life.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Jars for canning 67 oz - 2L
    • Glass Bottle 1 gallon
    • Good Grips Bottle Brush
    • Measuring mugs
    • Mini Measuring Set
    • All-Clad Sauce Pan 3-Quart
    • Fine Mesh Strainer
    • Ladle with spout
    • Auto Stop Funnel
    • Vintage Glass Bottles
    • Small liqueur glasses
    • Glass Bottles with Lids

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ½ cup cocoa powder
    • 2 sticks vanilla
    • 2 cups 95% alcohol or vodka
    • 4 cups caster sugar
    • 3 cups fresh water

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the vanilla stick in half
      2 sticks vanilla
    • Scrape the seeds into a jar
    • Cut the pod into small pieces and add into the jar
    • Pour over the alcohol
      2 cups 95% alcohol or vodka
    • Let the vanilla brew in the alcohol in a sealed jar for 1 month

    After one month

    • Prepare a syrup by melting the sugar in water and let it boil for a few minutes
      4 cups caster sugar, 3 cups fresh water
    • Add the cocoa gradually and always stirring until it melts into the syrup completely
      1 ½ cup cocoa powder
    • Let it simmer for 5 minutes
    • Remove from the heat, cover and let it cool down at room temperature

    Mixing it all together

    • Once cold, filter the chocolate syrup
    • Sieve also the alcohol which was infused with the vanilla pods
    • Stir well for at least 10 minutes to make sure all is combined
    • Transfer the liquor in bottles, close with a cork and wait another month before drinking it

    Video

    Notes

    • Use good quality cocoa
    • Do not replace vanilla pod with vanilla extract
    • Use a large pan when you make the syrup to make sure it doesn't spill when you add the cocoa. You will be adding a lot of cocoa
    • Once you combine the cocoa syrup with the alcohol you will have to mix for a long time. You may want to use an electric mixer.
    • If you want to have a creamier liqueur use less water ( 2 ¼ cups - 500 ml) to make the syrup, however, it is then best to store it in a jar instead of a bottle.
    • You can also use this chocolate alcohol drink over ice cream or in sponge cakes

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2252kcalCarbohydrates: 437gProtein: 13gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 39mgPotassium: 983mgFiber: 21gSugar: 400gCalcium: 94mgIron: 9mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
    important notes on ingredients

    More Liquors

    • Blueberry Liqueur
      Italian Homemade Blueberry Liqueur Recipe
    • Italian Concord Grape Wine Fragolino Recipe
    • limoncello 3 bottles and full glasses
      Homemade Italian Limoncello Recipe
    • Orange liqueur
      Homemade Orange Liqueur Curacao Style

    Your Guardian Chef Mug Collection

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Adrianne

      February 01, 2020 at 5:52 am

      5 stars
      Woot woot you had me at chocolate, I admit!! How good is this. It is like an art happening right on the screen in front of me. Love the back story and pics too for an authentic vibe. Will drink vicariously through the screen!

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 01, 2020 at 6:03 am

        Thank you Adrianne, you couldn't describe it better and when you drink it the vibe will go right through you body

        Reply
        • DAWN

          September 17, 2022 at 2:17 am

          Can I use 80 proof vodka because where I live they do not have the 95

          Reply
          • Laura

            September 17, 2022 at 6:08 am

            Yes Dawn, you can

            Reply
    2. Adriana

      February 01, 2020 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      Cheers! I am totally in love with this chocolate liquor so easy to put together. Insane! Great for gifting too, everyone loves it here.

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 01, 2020 at 6:12 am

        thanks, it is a great gift

        Reply
    3. patty at spoonabilities

      February 01, 2020 at 6:13 am

      5 stars
      This looks so decadent and absolutely delicious. What an amazing treat. Wow!

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 01, 2020 at 6:15 am

        Thank you, it is an amazing treat

        Reply
    4. Katie

      February 01, 2020 at 7:50 am

      5 stars
      Made this for the family and it was a hit!

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 01, 2020 at 5:23 pm

        I am so glad to hear

        Reply
    5. Alice | SkinnySpatula

      February 01, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      That looks incredibly decadent and made me crave liqueur at 11 in the morning :))

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 01, 2020 at 5:24 pm

        ...I know, sorry!

        Reply
    6. farmomeni

      November 17, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      it looks amazing. but there's no vanilla pod where i live. any alternatives?!!!

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 17, 2020 at 2:36 pm

        Thank you, it is really nice. Why don't you try with some nuts, almonds for example. Can you find almonds?

        Reply
    7. farmomeni

      November 17, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      thanks for your prompt response. yeah i can find any kind of nuts here, but is it possible to infuse nuts?? is the process the same? like soaking almonds in alcohol?!

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 18, 2020 at 9:00 am

        You can try, if you check out the recipe for Nocino, I have infused walnuts there but they were green and with the hull. Can you find fresh almonds?

        Reply
        • farmomeni

          November 18, 2020 at 10:25 am

          unfortunately i cant, just raw almonds ! actually i've read the recipe for Nocino and i thought i could make it with raw almonds! 🙁 i guess i have to put off making chocolate liqueur, which is a pity!!! :((((

          Reply
          • Laura

            November 18, 2020 at 10:29 am

            Then I would suggest make it by skipping the vanilla infusion. Go directly into making the chocolate syrup and add regular alcohol. As long as you use good quality cocoa you should be fine. For the Nocino you need a walnut tree. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

            Reply
            • farmomeni

              November 18, 2020 at 6:03 pm

              tnx a million, i surely will. 🙂

            • Laura

              November 19, 2020 at 4:55 am

              Bravo

    8. Nancyb

      October 28, 2024 at 2:40 pm

      Can this be used to make a Grasshopper Pie?

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 28, 2024 at 7:20 pm

        It is a creamy chocolate drink; you could pour it over.

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes

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    Laura Giunta Tobin

    Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome to my blog! While many talk about Italian food, I’ve lived it firsthand. Here, I share real Italian home cooking, just as it’s made in Italy. Won’t you join me?

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