Brown Crème de Cacao substitutes
The closest substitute for Brown Crème de Cacao is White Crème de Cacao, which works and barely changes the drink. Same flavour, clear. In a pinch, use Kahlúa.
What to use instead of Brown Crème de Cacao
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
White Crème de CacaoAlmost the same Same flavour, clear. Same amount | Same amount | 20–25% ABV | About the same |
KahlúaLast resort Coffee instead of chocolate. Same amount | Same amount | 16–25% ABV | −1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Brown Crème de Cacao, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Alexander
30ml (1 oz) Brown Crème de Cacao → 30ml (1 oz) White Crème de Cacao
Same strength
- Brandy Alexander
30ml (1 oz) Brown Crème de Cacao → 30ml (1 oz) White Crème de Cacao
Same strength
- Bushwacker
30ml (1 oz) Brown Crème de Cacao → 30ml (1 oz) White Crème de Cacao
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Brown Crème de Cacao | White Crème de Cacao |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 20–25% ABV | 20–25% ABV |
| Taste | Chocolate, Vanilla, Sweet, Creamy feel | Chocolate, Vanilla, Sweet, Smooth |
| Aroma | Chocolate, Vanilla, Cocoa, Sweet | Chocolate, Vanilla, Sweet, Clean |
| Finish | Sweet, Chocolate, Smooth | Clean chocolate, Sweet, Vanilla |
Already have one of these?
If you have Giffard Cacao Brun, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao or Bols Crème de Cacao Brown, you don't need a substitute: they are all Brown Crème de Cacao. How they differ
What is Brown Crème de Cacao?
Brown crème de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur with vanilla notes, used in Alexander cocktails and dessert drinks. The color comes from cocoa beans.
Questions about Brown Crème de Cacao substitutes
What is the best substitute for Brown Crème de Cacao?
White Crème de Cacao is the closest substitute for Brown Crème de Cacao and barely changes the drink. Same flavour, clear. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Brown Crème de Cacao in an Alexander?
White Crème de Cacao: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Brown Crème de Cacao for 30ml (1 oz) of White Crème de Cacao.
Which Brown Crème de Cacao brands can I use?
If you have Giffard Cacao Brun, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao or Bols Crème de Cacao Brown, you don't need a substitute: they are all Brown Crème de Cacao. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does White Crème de Cacao instead of Brown Crème de Cacao change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 3 drinks on this page that use Brown Crème de Cacao, White Crème de Cacao changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Brown Crème de Cacao?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.