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    Home » Cocktails » Infusions

    How to Make Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur

    LAST UPDATED: October 3, 2019 PUBLISHED: October 3, 2019 By Pam Greer 47 Comments As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This homemade chocolate liqueur is so easy to make and so delicious!  Rich and decadent, it's perfect for sipping and it makes a great gift!  Time does all of the work! 

    Bottle filled with dark liquid and a label that says "Chocolate Liqueur,"

    Why Make Homemade Chocolate Liqueur?

    If you've checked out my Infusions Category, you know that this is nothing I like more than infusing some alcohol.  

    It's because, for the most part, time does all the work!  There might be a little prep work at the beginning and maybe some straining at the end, but the hardest part is the waiting for the infusion. 

    Not only are homemade infusions not that much work, they taste so much better than store bought!  The flavors are rich and fresh and you know the ingredients that you are using. 

    So, yes, you can go out and buy chocolate liqueur, but with only 4 ingredients and a little time, you can have the best chocolate liqueur that you've ever tasted! 

     

     

    Bottle of vodka and bag of cocao nibs.

    Ingredients in Homemade Chocolate Liqueur

    • Vodka - use your favorite vodka, or like me, use whatever you have on had.  There are gluten free options out there if you need gluten free.
    • Cocao nibs - I use organic.  You'll have some leftover.  These are great on cereal or oatmeal, sprinkled on yogurt or pudding.  
    • Sugar - I used regular white sugar.
    • Water. 
    • Vanilla Extract - I used homemade. 

     

     

    Sign that says Steep for 8 Days and a jar filled with vodka and cocao nibs.

     

    How to Make Chocolate Liqueur

    Step One - pour your vodka and cacao nibs into a lidded glass jar. Put in a cool, dark place.   Shake it occasionally if you happen to remember! 

    Jar of steeped liqueur, cup of simple syrup and bottle of vanilla extract.

    Step Two - after 8 days, retrieve your lovely chocolate infused vodka.  Note - if you stop at this point you will have chocolate infused vodka.  

    Step Three - make a rich simple syrup by combining 1 ½ cups of sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.  Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Remove from heat and let cool. 

    Step Four - add the cooled simple syrup and the vanilla extract to the vodka.  Let it steep for one more day. 

    Two photos showing the straining step for making chocolate liqueur.

    Step 5 - Strain through a fine mesh strainer.  I strain again through a cheese cloth to get it even more clear. 

    Step 6 - Pour into a bottle with a lid.  

    Homemade Chocolate Liqueur should last about 2-3 months, it does not need to be refrigerated. 

    Bottle of with tag reading "Chocolate Liqueur."

    This Homemade Chocolate Liqueur is amazing.  So good.  It would be great in so many things like coffee, hot chocolate and just for sipping!  I love it in a Chocolate Martini and these Chocolate Dessert Shots!  

    More Infusion Recipes that Make Great Gifts! 

    Cherry Bourbon - amazing cherry flavor! 

    Blackberry Liqueur - preserve the fresh taste of summer!

    Homemade Limoncello - make double so you can keep some, like sunshine in a bottle.

    Vanilla Infused Rum - everyone loves this one! 

    Cranberry Liqueur - gorgeous color and amazing flavor! 

    I would love it if you would follow me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

    Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur
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    5 from 7 votes

    Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur

    Time does all the work in this Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Steeping Time 9 days
    Total Time 9 days 20 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 295kcal

    Ingredients

    • ⅔ cup cocoa nibs
    • 1 ⅓ cup vodka
    • 1 ½ cups sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Combine cocoa nibs and vodka in a jar with a lid. Shake and let steep for 8 days.
    • Bring the sugar and water to a boil. Let it cool and then add it and the vanilla extract to the vodka. Let steep for one more day.
    • Strain the nibs and filter through a coffee filter into a bottle.
    • Enjoy.

    Notes

    If you have any leftover cacao nibs after making this, they are great on yogurt or c

    Nutrition

    Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g

    This post was originally published in 2015 and has been update for 2019. 

    Easy and unbelievably delicious DIY Homemade Chocolate Liqueur!!

    More Infusion Recipes

    • How to Make Orange Whiskey
    • How to Make Rose Infused Vodka
    • How to Make Cherry Brandy
    • How to Make Blueberry Vodka

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carrie says

      October 20, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      Do you have to refrigerate it? How long will it hold?

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        October 25, 2021 at 8:50 am

        I don't refrigerate mine. I try to use mine within 6 months to a year.

        Reply
    2. Maryn says

      October 19, 2021 at 9:38 pm

      2 questions
      1: How much does 1 recipe make? Like what size bottle should I get to put it in to give as a gift?
      2: have you ever done a 1/2 vodka 1/2 rum mix?

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        October 25, 2021 at 8:52 am

        I didn't measure the final result, but I think it would make around 3 cups based on the liquid ingredients. I've never done it with vodka and rum, I bet that would be good! The rum would add some flavor, whereas the vodka keeps it clean with pure chocolate flavor.

        Reply
    3. Avni says

      September 26, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Would refrigeration help increase shelf life? Also what would happen if it needs to be stored for longer than 2-3 months?

      Thanks for the recipe! Look forward to making it.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        September 28, 2020 at 10:30 am

        Oh, storing it in the fridge would definitely help.

        Reply
      • Shirley says

        November 04, 2020 at 1:54 pm

        I would like to make this recipe. Can you infuse the vodka for longer than the 8 days with the Cocoa nibs?

        Reply
        • Pam Greer says

          November 05, 2020 at 1:53 pm

          Yes, it might get a little bitter though.

    4. Bridget says

      March 29, 2020 at 7:31 pm

      This might be a stupid question, but are chocolate nibs the same as chocolate chips? If they are not, what are they?

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        March 29, 2020 at 7:40 pm

        No, they are not the same as chocolate chips. They are small bits of cocoa beans. I added a link to Amazon on the ingredient list, so you can see what they look like. I usually get them either from Amazon, some grocery stores carry them in the baking section, or I can also usually find them at TJ Maxx, Marshall's or HomeGoods.

        Reply
      • Mark Allan Colbath says

        June 07, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Speaking as a chocolate maker, if you don't want to purchase nibs, all of the flavor comes from the cocoa solids, commonly known as cocoa powder. So, if you have a can of Hershey's handy, use some of that, and strain it out through a paper coffee filter after the 8 days. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jane says

      January 03, 2020 at 8:16 am

      I bottled my finished liqueur the other day. It was very easy to make and smells amazing, but there is a bit of light foam around the edge of liqueur. Is this possibly some residue from the cocoa nibs? Have you ever had a batch do this?

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 03, 2020 at 8:32 am

        Yes, I believe that is from the cocoa butter in the cocoa nibs. Mine has done that before.

        Reply
    6. T.L. Edwards says

      June 02, 2019 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      Bookmarked several recipes to try, having just found you. Is there anything I can use the strained cacao nibs for after they're done making chocolate liqueur? I just hate the idea of throwing these precious little nibs away. Can they be dried and ground for another use, or are they spent? Just epicurious. Looking forward to more delightful recipes in the future. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        June 03, 2019 at 6:20 am

        I'm so glad you found me!! We store the cocoa nibs in the freezer and sprinkle them on ice cream!

        Reply
    7. Angela says

      May 21, 2019 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      This is the beat recipe! I just tried it. So delicious! I see many more bottles in my future. I used Tito’s vodka. My new go to recipe for myself and gifts. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        May 21, 2019 at 6:57 am

        So glad you liked it!!

        Reply
    8. Florence says

      February 06, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      How long can you keep it?
      Does it have to be refergerated?

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        February 07, 2019 at 1:32 pm

        It does not need to be refrigerated and I've kept mine for about a year.

        Reply
    9. Shasta says

      January 27, 2019 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      I finished this up today and...oh boy! It's outstanding! It's been added to my collection of liqueurs. I've tried a couple other chocolate liqueurs, none had the chocolate taste I was looking for. This one has the clean chocolate taste I was hoping for. I make all my liqueurs....thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 27, 2019 at 6:53 pm

        So glad you liked it!!

        Reply
    10. Aestherielle Riego says

      May 20, 2018 at 1:34 am

      5 stars
      How many mL or Liters will be produced? Please reply. For thesis purposes. Thank you!

      Reply
    11. Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      February 08, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      Oooh! I want to try this over vanilla ice cream! I bet it would be delicious!

      Reply
    12. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

      February 08, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      This looks dangerously delicious! I can't believe how easy it is, too! Trying this soon.

      Reply
    13. Sharon says

      February 08, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      This looks so easy to make and easier to find a million reasons to use it. I could see a hot coffee on cold days with this in it in my future.

      Reply
    14. Diana says

      February 08, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      I love chocolate liqueur but never tried making my own. It's such a great idea, especially that i can control the sweetness.

      Reply
    15. Dannii says

      February 08, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      My husband would love this. This would make a lovely homemade Valentine’s Day gift.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        February 08, 2018 at 3:36 pm

        It would, wouldn't it!

        Reply
    16. Candice says

      February 15, 2015 at 8:37 pm

      Thank-you for linking up to Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have linked this post to our board.

      Reply
    17. Kristin O'Neil says

      February 11, 2015 at 9:59 am

      This is amazing!! I was just looking for some chocolate liqueur yesterday and everything is so expensive!! What a great way to be able to make it yourself for cheaper! I have a linkup every Thursday called Thursty Thursday. I would love it if you could stop by tomorrow and link this up! It's perfect!! Have a great day!

      Reply
    18. Joybee says

      February 10, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      This sounds great! I've been looking for recipes to make chocolate liqueur. I made my own coffee liqueur by steeping coffee beans in rum and adding a little simple syrup and it was so good. I've been using godiva chocolate liqueur and I don't think the flavor is strong enough so I can't wait to try this. Seen on Tasty Tuesday. Repinning.

      Reply
    19. Ann says

      February 10, 2015 at 2:26 am

      Oh the temptation!

      Reply
    20. Kimberly Ann @ Bake Love Give says

      February 10, 2015 at 12:05 am

      What a delicious and fun gift! Also, I'm coming to your place for happy hour. 🙂

      Reply
    21. Terri Oliver Steffes says

      February 10, 2015 at 12:05 am

      I am so afraid of making this! I can see me adding this to hot chocolate, at breakfast, and going to work a bit tipsy! 🙂 Not really, but maybe on the weekends...

      Reply
    22. Susan@LunaCafe says

      February 09, 2015 at 10:54 pm

      I love liqueurs for cooking and have a cupboard full. But it's never occurred to me to try chocolate liqueur. How fun to make your own. I'd love to try this. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

      Reply
    23. Laura @MotherWouldKnow says

      February 09, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      I just happen to have some cocoa nibs and vodka - hmm! I love to make homemade liqueur (made my own limoncello) and also made vanilla extract with vodka, which is superb. So I can just see that this liqueur is in my not-too-distant-future!

      Reply
    24. Heather | girlichef says

      February 09, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Oh, chocolate liqueur - YES. All the way YES. I have a feeling I'd like this a little bit too much. And I can't wait to see the homemade grenadine!

      Reply
    25. Ashley (QLCC) says

      February 09, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      I just got some fantastic chocolate, now I know what to do with it!

      Reply
    26. Kirsten says

      February 09, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      Yet another reason to love those plastic caps, Pam. I cannot get enough of them! It's silly, I know, but I bought a couple of boxes probably a dozen years ago when I saw them on clearance. They sat in my Canning box for several years, then I tried one on a quart of chicken stock for the freezer, then another on a jar of pickles in the fridge, then an opened jar of Green Tomato Bacon jam . . . and now they are what I want in my stocking!

      I think I'm afraid to get started with this, because I could see getting very carried away with it. Breakfast, indeed.
      Thanks!

      Reply
    27. Marjie says

      February 09, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      Well, my grandmother faithfully had a Bloody Mary with Sunday breakfast, so why not have this instead? It would be so much better in coffee than Irish Whiskey (no disrespect meant to Irish Coffee, just sayin'....) You had a productive weekend, indeed!

      Reply
    28. Cheryl Kohan says

      February 09, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      I love this idea! I'll definitely be brewing up a batch or two.

      So glad I found you, again. My blog was hacked and I lost almost all of my blogging friends! Anyway, am trying to get back in the groove...found you on Twitter! Do you still have your photo blog?

      Reply
    29. Cheryl Crotty says

      February 09, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      I'll have to look for the coco nibs...everything else looks pretty easy...sounds really good and I love the vodka bottle...would buy it just for the bottle.

      Reply
    30. Rattlebridge Farm says

      February 09, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      Swoon. I would stand in line for this!

      Reply
    31. Amy @Very Culinary says

      February 09, 2015 at 12:01 pm

      I want to drink that.

      Reply
    32. Louise says

      February 09, 2015 at 10:20 am

      Hi Pam,
      Oh my this liqueur could be oh so dangerous around here. My mind is going a mile a minute thinking of all the wonderous things I could do with it, not to mention sip, sip, sip!

      I knew making liqueur at home was easy but I didn't realize just how easy! Now I can't wait to see the homemade Grenadine and Hazelnut Liqueurs.

      Thanks for sharing, Pam...

      Reply
    33. Christine (Cook the Story) says

      February 09, 2015 at 8:48 am

      What a cool idea. I've never used cocoa nibs before. I've clearly gotta get some!

      Reply
    34. Joanne says

      February 09, 2015 at 7:10 am

      So...party at your place?

      Reply

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