Creme de cacao adds a delightful chocolate flavor to many cocktails. This sweet liqueur mixes well with other ingredients to create tasty drinks for different occasions.
From classic recipes to new creations, there are many ways to enjoy creme de cacao in your beverages.
You can find creme de cacao drinks for every taste and preference. Some are creamy and indulgent, while others are light and refreshing.
Whether you like fruity flavors or rich dessert-like cocktails, there’s a creme de cacao recipe you’ll enjoy.
Try making these drinks at home to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special.
1. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a creamy, indulgent cocktail perfect for dessert or a special treat. It blends brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream for a rich, smooth taste.
To make this drink, you’ll need equal parts of each ingredient. Shake them vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Then strain into a chilled glass.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg on top. The Brandy Alexander has been popular since the 1930s and remains a classic choice for those who enjoy sweet, creamy drinks.
2. Grasshopper
The Grasshopper is a sweet, minty cocktail that’s perfect for dessert. It uses crème de menthe and crème de cacao as its main ingredients.
To make a Grasshopper, you’ll need equal parts green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Shake these with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice cream. This creates a creamy, minty shake-like drink.
The Grasshopper was invented in New Orleans in 1918. Its bright green color and refreshing taste make it a fun choice for after-dinner sipping.
3. Dirty Banana
The Dirty Banana is a creamy, tropical cocktail that features creme de cacao. This indulgent drink blends dark rum, coffee liqueur, and banana with ice for a frozen treat.
To make a Dirty Banana, you’ll need a blender. Combine ice, rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, and a ripe banana.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass. For extra decadence, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. You can garnish with a banana slice on the rim.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool or as a dessert drink. Its rich flavors make it a satisfying choice for those with a sweet tooth.
4. Mudslide
The Mudslide is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that features crème de cacao. This drink combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream with the chocolate liqueur for a dessert-like experience.
To make a Mudslide, mix equal parts of each liquor in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
For an extra treat, add a splash of cream or milk.
You can also blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version. Top your Mudslide with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent finish.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a sweet treat any time.
5. B52 Cocktail
The B52 cocktail is a layered shot that features creme de cacao. It’s made with three different liqueurs, each carefully poured to create distinct layers.
To make a B52, you’ll need Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier. The bottom layer is Kahlua, followed by Baileys, and topped with Grand Marnier.
The trick to getting perfect layers is to pour each liqueur slowly over the back of a spoon. This technique helps the liqueurs stay separate, creating a visually striking drink.
When you sip a B52, you’ll taste a mix of coffee, cream, and orange flavors. The creme de cacao in the Baileys adds a subtle chocolate note to the drink.
6. Chocolate Martini
The Chocolate Martini is a decadent cocktail that combines vodka and chocolate flavors. To make one, you’ll need vodka, chocolate liqueur, and crème de cacao.
Start by chilling a martini glass. Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
For an extra touch, rim the glass with cocoa powder or grated chocolate. You can also add a splash of cream for a smoother texture.
This drink is perfect for dessert or as a special treat. It’s rich, sweet, and sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
7. Chocolate Cake Shot
The Chocolate Cake Shot is a tasty treat that mimics the flavor of chocolate cake. It combines vodka and hazelnut liqueur with a lemon wedge chaser.
To make this shot, mix equal parts vodka and chocolate liqueur in a shaker with ice. Strain into a shot glass. Coat a lemon wedge in sugar.
Take the shot, then quickly bite the sugared lemon. The combination creates a surprising chocolate cake flavor in your mouth.
It’s a fun party trick that will impress your friends.
This shot is perfect for dessert lovers who want a quick, sweet alcoholic drink. It’s often served at birthday parties or other celebrations.
8. Bushwacker
The Bushwacker is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that combines creme de cacao with other rich flavors. This drink tastes like a boozy chocolate milkshake with hints of coffee and coconut.
To make a Bushwacker, you’ll need dark rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk. Blend these ingredients with ice until smooth.
Pour your Bushwacker into a tall glass. For extra flair, drizzle chocolate sauce inside the glass before adding the drink. You can garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
This cocktail is perfect for dessert or as a refreshing treat on a hot day. It’s like a vacation in a glass, combining tropical and chocolatey flavors.
9. Toasted Almond
The Toasted Almond is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that combines creme de cacao with other rich flavors. To make it, you’ll need amaretto, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
Fill a shaker with ice and add equal parts of each ingredient. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and thoroughly combined.
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top as a garnish.
This drink offers a perfect balance of sweet almond, chocolate, and coffee notes. It’s smooth and satisfying, making it a great choice for dessert or a relaxing evening treat.
10. Golden Cadillac
The Golden Cadillac is a creamy cocktail that shines with a beautiful golden color. It blends white creme de cacao, Galliano liqueur, and heavy cream.
This drink was created in 1952 at Poor Red’s bar in California. The story goes that a couple asked for a special drink to celebrate their new gold-colored Cadillac.
To make a Golden Cadillac, you’ll need equal parts of each ingredient. Shake them well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The taste is sweet and rich, with chocolate and vanilla notes from the liqueurs. It pairs nicely with chocolate desserts or fruit tarts.
11. Brandy Freeze
The Brandy Freeze is a cool twist on the classic Brandy Alexander. This frozen cocktail blends brandy, crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream for a creamy, indulgent treat.
To make a Brandy Freeze, combine 1.5 ounces each of brandy and crème de cacao with 2 cups of vanilla ice cream in a blender.
Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled glass.
You can garnish your Brandy Freeze with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a mint leaf for added flavor and visual appeal. This frosty drink is perfect for sipping on warm evenings or as a dessert cocktail.
12. Marilyn Monroe Cocktail
The Marilyn Monroe Cocktail is a sweet and creamy drink that captures the glamour of its namesake. You’ll love this mix of crème de cacao, vodka, and a splash of grenadine.
To make it, combine 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce white crème de cacao, and 1 teaspoon grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The drink has a pale pink color reminiscent of Marilyn’s iconic style. Its smooth texture and subtle chocolate notes make it perfect for sipping at parties or special occasions.
13. Alexander’s Sister
Alexander’s Sister is a refreshing twist on the classic Alexander cocktail. This creamy drink swaps out the usual crème de cacao for green crème de menthe.
To make it, you’ll need gin, green crème de menthe, and cream. Mix equal parts of each ingredient in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
The result is a minty, creamy cocktail with a beautiful pale green color. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a hint of mint in their drinks.
You can garnish your Alexander’s Sister with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of cocoa powder for added flair.
14. Pink Squirrel
The Pink Squirrel is a sweet and creamy cocktail that’s perfect for dessert lovers. You’ll need three main ingredients to make this retro drink: crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
To prepare, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add equal parts crème de noyaux and white crème de cacao, along with a splash of heavy cream.
Shake well until the shaker feels cold.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. For a fancy touch, you can garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or a maraschino cherry. The Pink Squirrel’s smooth texture and pretty pink color make it a fun choice for parties or special occasions.
15. The Oblivion
The Oblivion is a rich and indulgent cocktail featuring crème de cacao. This drink combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and crème de cacao for a smooth and decadent experience.
To make The Oblivion, mix equal parts vodka, coffee liqueur, and crème de cacao in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
You can garnish the drink with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a coffee bean for added flair. The Oblivion offers a perfect balance of chocolate and coffee flavors, making it an ideal after-dinner drink.
History of Creme De Cacao
Creme de cacao has a rich history dating back centuries. This sweet liqueur has evolved from its monastic roots to become a key ingredient in many popular cocktails.
Origins and Development
Creme de cacao was first created by French monks in the 16th century. They made it from cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate.
The monks’ goal was to create a drink that captured the essence of cocoa.
The name “creme de cacao” means “cream of cocoa” in French. This refers to its creamy texture and cocoa flavor. Over time, the recipe spread beyond monastery walls.
Distillers refined the process, creating both clear and dark versions of the liqueur. The clear type is often used in lighter cocktails, while the dark version adds color and richness to drinks.
Cultural Influence
In the early 20th century, creme de cacao gained popularity in cocktail culture. It became a key ingredient in classic drinks like the Brandy Alexander and the Grasshopper.
The 1970s saw a surge in sweet, creamy cocktails featuring creme de cacao. These drinks were often seen as fun and indulgent. Some bartenders viewed them as less sophisticated than other cocktails.
Recently, craft cocktail makers have rediscovered creme de cacao. They’re using it in new, balanced recipes that showcase its chocolate notes.
This has helped improve the liqueur’s reputation among drink enthusiasts.
Creme de cacao continues to be a versatile ingredient in both classic and modern cocktails. Its rich history and unique flavor make it a staple in many bars around the world.
Mixology Tips for Creme De Cacao Drinks
Mixing great creme de cacao cocktails requires skill and know-how. These tips will help you create balanced and delicious drinks.
Balancing Flavors
Start with small amounts of creme de cacao. It’s strong and sweet, so a little goes a long way.
Taste as you go and adjust.
Mix creme de cacao with complementary flavors. Pair it with coffee liqueurs, cream, or citrus for tasty combos.
Use fresh ingredients. Quality matters for the best flavor.
Squeeze fresh citrus juices and use good spirits.
Try both dark and white creme de cacao. They have different flavors that work well in different drinks.
Chill your glasses before serving. Cold glasses keep drinks cool longer.
Pairing Suggestions
Match creme de cacao with vanilla vodka for a creamy, sweet drink.
Add a splash of cream for richness.
Try it with rum and coconut cream for a tropical twist.
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Mix with Irish cream and coffee for a boozy mocha flavor.
Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
Pair with mint liqueur for a refreshing chocolate mint taste.
Add crushed ice for a slushy texture.
Use creme de cacao in hot drinks too.
Add it to hot cocoa or coffee for extra flavor and warmth.