This is a snap to make and tastes better than any bottled chocolate-flavored liqueur I have yet to try, and makes a killer chocolate martini.  The key ingredient to this recipe is the cocoa powder—the higher quality the cocoa powder, the better tasting the liqueur will be.  I would recommend visiting your local gourmet food shop and requesting cocoa powder made by Scharffenberger or Valrhona—two of my favorites.

Chocolate Liqueur

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup vodka (I would choose something moderately priced)

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the cocoa and boiling water together.  Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and remaining water to a simmer, stirring until the sugar has just dissolved.
• Then, stir the warm sugar water into the cocoa water, and add the vodka last.
• Strain the liqueur through a fine-mesh strainer into a container with a lid.  Store in the refrigerator overnight.
• To serve, stir the liqueur well, as some of the cocoa may settle to the bottom.  And keep in mind, like most homemade flavored liqueurs, the flavor will intensify over time.

Filed Under: Wine & Libations