Summer chocolate liqueur: a refreshing twist for cocktails and iced coffees

When summer arrives, we look for refreshments in all forms - from light meals to cold drinks. Among the latter, homemade summer liqueurs are becoming increasingly popular, with their unique flavours to brighten up every moment. These liqueurs are not only delicious on their own, but they also make a great addition to cocktails and iced coffees, making them even more appealing.

Why are summer liqueurs the right choice?

Summer liqueurs are extremely popular for several reasons. Firstly, they are light and refreshing, perfect for hot days. In addition, homemade liqueurs are very flexible - they can be made with ingredients you already have at home and adapted to your own tastes. Fresh, natural ingredients such as coconut milk, dark and milk chocolate and vanilla paste make it possible to create liqueurs that are full of rich and authentic flavours.

Homemade liqueurs have another advantage - they can be made in advance and kept in the fridge, ready to use when you want something special. Their versatility allows them to be used as a base for a variety of drinks, from refreshing cocktails to creamy iced coffees, giving them a special charm.

How to make summer liqueur with ingredients you have at home?

Making summer liqueur is easy and quick, which means that in a few simple steps, we can embark on a culinary journey that will enrich our summer days. The recipe below is a great example of how to create an exceptional drink from simple ingredients often found in the home kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml coconut milk
• 100 ml whipping cream
• 100 g BAM dark chocolate
• 100 g BAM milk chocolate
• 100 ml white rum
• 1 teaspoon BAM vanilla paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• Pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1:
Pour the coconut milk and whipping cream into a large bowl. Heat slowly over medium heat, making sure the mixture does not boil. It is important to heat and combine the ingredients evenly.

Step 2:
Once the mixture is heated, add the BAM dark chocolate and milk chocolate drops. The chocolate will melt quickly, so keep stirring constantly to achieve a smooth and uniform mixture where the chocolate is fully combined with the liquid.

Step 3:
Dissolve a teaspoon of instant coffee in hot water (about 1-2 tablespoons). This step is crucial to add depth to the flavour, as the coffee enhances and enriches the chocolate flavour. Once the coffee is dissolved, stir it into the chocolate mixture.

Step 4:
Stir the sugar, a pinch of salt and BAM vanilla paste into the mixture. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The salt will bring out the sweetness of the chocolate and the vanilla paste will add a pleasant aroma to the liqueur.

Step 5:
When the mixture is homogeneous and smooth, remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. Then gradually pour in the white rum, stirring gently all the time to ensure that the alcohol is well combined with the other ingredients. This step is important as the alcohol adds extra complexity to the liqueur and helps its persistence.

Step 6:
Pour the liqueur into the bottles and place them in the fridge to rest for at least a few hours, or even better overnight. This resting time allows the flavours to mingle and cool well, and the liqueur to gain its fullness.

Serve the liqueur chilled, preferably straight from the fridge. Before serving, shake the bottle well to reconnect the mixture. The liqueur is now ready to enjoy.

Using summer liqueur in cocktails and iced coffees

Once you have your homemade summer liqueur ready, the possibilities for using it are almost endless. As well as being enjoyed on its own, it is particularly suitable as an ingredient in a variety of summer cocktails and iced coffees. Homemade liqueur adds a creamy texture and rich flavour to cocktails, which blend perfectly with other ingredients.

• Cocktails with liqueur
  Liqueur can be used as a base for a variety of cocktails. One of the most popular is the chocolate mojito, where a few spoonfuls of chocolate liqueur are added to a classic mojito recipe. The combination of refreshing mint, lime and chocolate creates the perfect summer drink. Alternatively, a chocolate daiquiri is a drink where the liqueur replaces some of the rum and adds a rich chocolate note.

• Iced coffees
  Liqueur is also a great addition to iced coffees. Simply stir it into freshly made iced coffee, add ice and cream and enjoy a refreshing, slightly alcoholic drink. The liqueur will add depth of flavour to your coffee and turn it into a real summer treat.

• Dessert drinks
  For those who want something sweeter, the liqueur can be used as a topping for ice cream or as an addition to milkshakes. The combination of ice cream and rich liqueur is a real treat for hot summer days.

Summer liqueurs are the perfect choice for those who want to add a little sweetness and freshness to summer. Making homemade liqueur is quick and easy, and the result is a drink that can be used in many ways - from enjoying it on a relaxing evening to making refreshing cocktails and iced coffees. Using ingredients that are often already at home, you can create rich, creamy and refreshing liqueurs that will delight everyone. They can be prepared in advance so they are always on hand when you want something special. A summer liqueur is therefore an indispensable drink for any summer day or evening, bringing joy and delicious refreshment.