The Chanukah Gelt Cocktail is a festive drink inspired by traditional holiday chocolate coins. This unique beverage combines chocolate liqueur and goldwasser, topped with edible gold leaf flakes for a luxurious and celebratory twist on tradition.
As the winter nights draw in and Chanukah approaches, Jewish people around the world prepare to celebrate. Amidst the cosy glow of the candles and the aroma of sizzling latkes, there’s another tradition that brings joy to children and adults alike – chocolate Chanukah gelt!
I love gelt! Running your fingers over the embossed decoration, peeling back the foil, the snap of the chocolate… These days we only buy high quality, dark chocolate gelt, so it even tastes delicious! But then, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Chanukah party drinks
Last year we had a big Chanukah party, and I decided to make a Chanukah gelt inspired cocktail. It was time to take this beloved custom and give it a grown-up makeover.
Behold the Chanukah Gelt Cocktail! A sophisticated, shimmering, adults-only beverage that captures the essence of this holiday tradition in liquid form. The essence of winter celebration in a glass, it combines rich chocolate and warming spice with a touch of golden luxury!
Whether you’re hosting a Chanukah party of your own, or simply looking to add a touch of sparkle to a quiet holiday evening, this innovative and delicious festive cocktail is just what you need.
What is Chanukah Gelt?
The tradition of Chanukah gelt, which literally means “Chanukah money” in Yiddish, dates back centuries. Originally, it was a custom of giving coins to children during Chanukah. There are several reasons given to explain the tradition, including:
- It encouraged children to give tzedakah (charity) – at least some of the coins were destined for the ‘pushke‘ (collection box)
- It rewarded children for their Torah study
- It provided a tangible way to celebrate the holiday
The concept of gelt is also a reflection of Jewish history. The Maccabees not only rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they also minted bronze coins featuring the names of Hasmonean Kings. This historical event may have ultimately influenced the tradition of giving coins as gifts during Chanukah.
Traditional Chanukah Gelt vs Chocolate Coins
In the 20th century, Chanukah gelt underwent a delicious transformation as it took on a new, sweeter form – chocolate coins. These foil-wrapped treats, often embossed with menorahs, dreidels, or other relevant designs, became a hit among children and adults alike. But how did this change occur?
The shift to chocolate coins began in the 1920s, with the rise of mass-produced chocolate. American chocolate companies, recognising a sales opportunity, started producing these festive treats, making them widely available and affordable.
Today, chocolate gelt coins are used for everything from dreidel games to decorations, and of course, for eating!
Interestingly, the chocolate version has become so popular that for many, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when they hear “Chanukah gelt.” It’s a perfect example of how traditions can adapt and evolve while still maintaining their core meaning.
The Chanukah Gelt Cocktail
Now that we’ve peeled back the foil from the history of Chanukah gelt, let’s dive into its latest, liquid incarnation – the Chanukah Gelt Cocktail. This delicious, velvety smooth cocktail combines the rich flavours of chocolate with a touch of shimmering gold, creating a drink that’s fabulously festive!
Ingredients in a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail
The magic of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. Just a few carefully chosen ingredients create a delicious, sippable drink that captures the essence of Chanukah gelt:
- Chocolate Liqueur – to provide that rich, velvety chocolate flavour reminiscent of chocolate coins. I used creme de cacao, but any smooth chocolate liqueur will work.
- Goldwasser – this unique herbal liqueur originated in Poland and is flavoured with herbs and spices including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, lavender, thyme, coriander and juniper. It also contains real gold flakes! If you can’t find Goldwasser, Goldschläger will also work. This Swiss cinnamon schnapps also contains gold flakes, but its flavour is not as complex.
- Edible Gold Leaf Flakes – for an extra touch of luxury and visual appeal, plus a nod to the golden foil wrapping of Chanukah gelt!
These ingredients come together to create a drink that’s not just tasty, but also a twinkling feast for the eyes – perfect for celebrating the Festival of Lights!
Where to buy your cocktail ingredients
If you don’t have a well stocked cocktail cabinet, you might be wondering where to source the ingredients. Don’t worry! They’re all easy to obtain from local shops or online stores.
Chocolate Liqueurs
I used a dark chocolate creme de cacao as the base of my cocktail. Kosher versions are produced by Bols and De Kuyper, and are available from larger supermarkets, or a wine merchants or off-license.
Bailey’s chocolate luxe is also kosher but contains milk, so is not suitable for vegans or those with a dairy allergy.
If you have a local kosher shop, they may stock specifically kosher brands of chocolate liqueur, including Lavie, Schmerlings, and Sabra.
Goldwasser
This herbal liqueur containing real gold flakes can be tricky to find, but it’s worth the effort. Bols Gold Strike is a kosher goldwasser, and you may find more at specialist wine merchants, or shops with a large selection of European spirits. Alternatively it is available from Amazon.
If you can’t find anything suitable, any spicy or herbal liqueur will give a similar flavour, and you can add a few extra gold bits when mixing and garnishing!
Gold Leaf Flakes
These delicate flakes add the perfect finishing touch to your cocktail. You can find edible gold leaf in specialty baking stores or online. Food-grade gold leaf should be 22-24 karat gold. A little goes a long way, so even a small amount will last for many cocktails. And if you really can’t find it anywhere, try gold sanding sugar or gold sprinkles from the baking aisle to create a sparkling rim on your cocktail glass.
How to Make a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail
Creating this festive cocktail is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a small, stemmed liqueur glass.
- Fill about halfway with chocolate liqueur – the exact amount will depend on the size of your glass!
- Gently add a little Goldwasser – the glass should be around ¾ full.
- Float a few gold leaf flakes on top of the cocktail.
- Serve!
The result is a smooth, chocolatey cocktail with a hint of herbal complexity, topped with shimmering gold – a liquid representation of our beloved Chanukah gelt!
Non-alcoholic Chanukah Cocktail (mocktail)
It’s always good to offer a non-alcoholic alternative, and you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, which is great for drivers, kids, and anyone avoiding the alcohol in the original.
To make a mocktail version, simply mix chocolate syrup with an alcohol-free gin or a similar ‘spirit’ (Gordon’s alcohol free is KLBD). Then top with gold leaf or sprinkles for the same festive look.
To make a longer, creamier version, add a splash of milk (or cream), or blend the ingredients with ice-cream for a thick, dessert-like version. You can also shake with a shot of espresso for a more grown-up caffeinated version of the Chanukah gelt mocktail. Then shake over some gold flakes for a final flourish!
Extra bling? How to really take your Cocktails OTT!
The Chanukah Gelt Cocktail is a showstopper in its own right, but a few creative touches will make it the talk of the town!
- Gilded glassware – serve your cocktails in glasses rimmed with edible gold dust. Simply moisten the rim with water (or vodka!) and dip it into edible gold dust or the ‘crumbs’ from your edible gold flakes.
- Golden ice cubes – Add a pinch of edible gold flakes to each section of your ice-cube tray before adding water and freezing. Add a shimmering cube to each glass before pouring over the cocktail.
- Chocolate coin garnish – Use a hot knife to make a slot in a chocolate gelt coin, then slide it onto the side of the glass for a fun accompaniment.
Get creative and let your Chanukah spirit shine through in your presentation! If you have more fun ideas, please let me know in the comments below!
Big batch Chanukah Gelt Cocktails for parties and group gatherings
Last year, we made these delicious chocolate cocktails for our Chanukah party, laboriously mixing each one individually. But in retrospect, we should have made a big batch! This year, I’ll be more organised, so we can spend more time drinking and enjoying, and less time measuring and serving.
To make a big batch, simply use the recipe card below to adjust the quantities for your number of guests, then mix the chocolate liqueur and Goldwasser in a jug, ready to go. When it’s time to serve, simply pour into glasses, garnish and serve!
When to serve a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail
These delicious drinks are a treat on any night of chanukah, but are especially perfect at parties. Consider serving them as a welcome drink to set a festive mood as your guests arrive. If you’ve made a jugful (see above) then you can simply top up people’s glasses as required.
You might also like to save them to serve once the Chanukah candles have been lit, as a festive l’chaim as the final notes of maoz tzur fade away.
What to eat with your delicious Chanukah Cocktails
What’s a festive cocktail without some delicious food to accompany it? The Chanukah Gelt Cocktail isn’t just a standalone treat – it’s an opportunity to elevate your entire Chanukah dining experience.
Latkes and Chanukah Gelt Cocktails
Let’s face it, latkes are the crispy, golden stars of any Chanukah gathering. These tasty potato pancakes are sure to feature in your celebrations, so it’s just as well that canape-sized latkes plus a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail is a match made in culinary heaven!
The savoury, slightly salty taste of latkes provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweet, rich flavours of the cocktail, while the crispiness of the latkes contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety texture of the drink. A bite of hot, freshly fried latke followed by a cool sip of cocktail is a real Chanukah treat!
Sufganiyot (donuts)
Sufganiyot are another Chanukah favourite that goes surprisingly well with this cocktail. This combination creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable. Firstly, the light, airy texture of the sufganiyot provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, liquid cocktail. Then the chocolate in the drink enhances the sweetness of the fruity filling.
For an extra special touch, consider experimenting with different donut fillings. Raspberry or cherry jam can add a tart note that cuts through the sweetness of both the donut and the cocktail. Custard filling will make the chocolate and vanilla lovers very happy. And for real chocolate addicts, try chocolate-filled sufganiyot for an indulgent choc-tastic overload!
Chanukah gelt cocktails – a delicious new tradition!
From its roots in the ancient custom of giving coins as gifts, to its modern incarnation as a sophisticated drink, the Chanukah Gelt cocktail represents the perfect blend of old and new. Whether you’re serving it at a large gathering or enjoying it quietly by the glowing Chanukiah, the Chanukah Gelt Cocktail will help you to create new memories and enhance cherished traditions.
So this Chanukah, as you spin the dreidel and light the candles, consider raising a glass of this shimmering cocktail. May your Chanukah be filled with light, laughter, and perhaps a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail or two. L’chaim and Happy Chanukah!
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📖 Recipe
Chanukah Gelt Cocktails
Ingredients
- 25 ml Creme de cacao or other chocolate liqueur
- 12 ml Goldwasser or similar herbal liqueur (see notes)
- Edible gold leaf flakes to garnish
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Ice cubes (optional)If you prefer a frostier drink, add an ice-cube to the glass before continuing with step one. Otherwise, skip ahead!
- 25 ml (1 ⅔ floz) Creme de cacao or other chocolate liqueur, 12 ml (⅚ floz) Goldwasser or similar herbal liqueurPour the creme de cacao into a small, stemmed liqueur glass. Gently add the goldwasser to the glass.
- Edible gold leaf flakes to garnishShake a few flakes of edible gold onto the surface of the drink and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
More delicious Chanukah Gelt recipes
If you love Chanukah gelt as much as I do, why not try one of these (non-alcoholic) gelt inspired recipes:
To browse all my Chanukah recipes click here.
Chanukah Gelt Cocktail FAQs
The tradition of giving Chanukah gelt has roots that stretch back centuries. Originally, it wasn’t about chocolate at all, but rather real coins. This custom emerged from several historical and cultural factors:
– After the Maccabees’ victory, they minted bronze coins featuring the names of Hasmonean Kings.
– In medieval times, it became customary to give money to children during Chanukah as a reward for Torah study.
– The practice also encouraged children to give tzedakah (charity), an important Jewish value.
The shift to chocolate coins came much later, in the 20th century, as a fun and tasty way to continue the tradition. Today, both real money and chocolate coins are given as gelt, keeping this sweet custom alive and well!
Yes! There are many vegan and gluten-free spirits available, so selecting suitable ingredients will enable you to make this festive drink for friends with special diets. There is also a non-alcoholic variation – see below for details.
Absolutely! The spirit of Chanukah is inclusive, and your cocktail can be too. Simply mix two parts chocolate syrup with one part of an alcohol-free gin or a similar non-alcoholic ‘spirit’. Then top with edible gold flakes or sprinkles as a festive garnish.
This mocktail captures the essence of the Chanukah Gelt Cocktail without the alcohol, making it perfect for all ages.
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