Tempus Fugit Spirits Creme de Cacao
Tempus Fugit Spirits Creme de Cacao is a 24% ABV (48 proof) chocolate liqueur in a 750mL bottle — crafted in Switzerland from a 19th-century recipe cross-referenced in English and French sources. Raw Venezuelan cacao is distilled, and the distillate is macerated with additional cacao and crushed whole Mexican vanilla bean — a two-stage process that builds depth and naturally colors the liqueur a rich medium brown, with no artificial colorants. It earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast (2016) and a five-star highest recommendation from F. Paul Pacult. It is in stock and available to order online now at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Proof / ABV: 24% ABV / 48 proof
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: unaged — distilled and macerated; no barrel aging
- Origin: Switzerland (Tempus Fugit Spirits)
- Production: Venezuelan cacao distillate macerated with cacao + whole Mexican vanilla bean; no artificial flavors or colors; 95 pts Wine Enthusiast
The Chocolate Liqueur That Bartenders Actually Use
Tempus Fugit exists to revive the great liqueurs of the pre-Prohibition bar, and its crème de cacao is the reference bottle: intensely cocoa-driven, buttery at entry, dark chocolate at the midpalate, with a third of the aromatic weight carried by real vanilla. Shop more liqueurs, or explore the full Tempus Fugit Spirits lineup at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Intense cocoa and powdered chocolate with sweet vanilla and light floral spice.
Palate: Silky and mouth-coating — dark chocolate, cocoa butter, creamy vanilla, a whisper of spice.
Finish: Long, smooth, and gently warm with lingering cocoa.
How to Enjoy
The essential Brandy Alexander and Grasshopper bottle — also pour it over a single cube as a dessert pour, or lengthen with soda for a simple digestif. Keep chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao special?
It is built from a verified 19th-century recipe using Venezuelan cacao and Mexican vanilla, with real distillation and maceration instead of artificial flavoring.
What is the ABV?
24% ABV (48 proof).
Is it clear or dark?
Naturally medium brown from the cacao maceration — not a clear crème de cacao.
What cocktails use it?
The Brandy Alexander and Grasshopper are the classics; it also works in chocolate Old Fashioned riffs.
Stock the bottle your cocktails deserve — order Tempus Fugit Spirits Creme de Cacao online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.