Can I Add Alcohol To Instant Chocolate Mousse?

Asked by Karenthecook. Answered on 3rd January 2022

Full question

I would like to give the Instant Chocolate Mousse a boozy flavour. How much alcohol should I add (I'm thinking Bailey's)? Will it effect how it sets?

Instant Chocolate Mousse

By Nigella

Our answer

Nigella's Instant Chocoate Mousse (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) is made with marshmallows that are melted with butter, chocolate and water. As the mousse mixture cools the gelatine in the marshmallows helps it to set quickly.

It is probably possible to add a little alcohol, though alcohol can affect the setting ability of gelatine so we suggest that you do not add too much. We would suggest substituting 1-2 tablespoons of the water with 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen alcohol. Bailey's has a low ABV, so you could use 2 tablespoons, but brandy and similar spirits are stronger, so we would suggest using only 1 tablespoon of these.