Chocolate Bitters Recipe – A Deep, Aromatic Elixir for Elevated Cocktails and Desserts

Chocolate Bitters Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 32  F
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 8
Calories: 5
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

This chocolate bitters recipe is a handcrafted infusion of cacao nibs, warm spices, citrus peel, and botanicals, steeped in high-proof alcohol and aged to aromatic perfection. Ideal for cocktails, desserts, or gifting, it’s a small-batch recipe with big impact.

Ingredients
    For the Infusion Base:
  • 1/2 cup cacao nibs
  • 1 tbsp dried orange peel (or zest from one organic orange)
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp gentian root (for bitterness; available online or at herbal stores)
  • 1 ½ cups high-proof alcohol (Everclear or high-proof vodka, at least 80–100 proof)
    • For the Syrup (optional sweetening):
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or demerara sugar
  • 1 Optional: tbsp molasses or honey for deeper sweetness
Instructions
  1. 1
    Place cacao nibs, citrus peel, spices, gentian root, and vanilla bean into a clean 16 oz mason jar or glass container with a tight lid.
  2. 2
    Pour the high-proof alcohol over the ingredients until fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly. Give it a good shake.
  3. 3
    Place the jar in a dark, cool cupboard or pantry. Let it infuse for 14–21 days. Shake it once daily to ensure even flavor distribution.
  4. 4
    After infusion, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean jar. Press out as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
  5. 5
    In a small saucepan, combine water and brown sugar (and molasses, if using). Heat just until the sugar dissolves—do not boil. Let cool.
  6. 6
    Combine the strained infusion with the cooled syrup to taste. Start with a tablespoon or two of syrup; adjust based on your desired sweetness. Pour into a dark glass dropper or dasher bottle for storage.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 1g1%
Sugars 1g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Chocolate Bitters