As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that alcohol-infused chocolate can indeed get you drunk, but the amount you would need to consume is quite substantial. Let's dive into the specifics.
Firstly, it's important to understand that the alcohol content in chocolate liqueurs is significantly lower compared to traditional alcoholic beverages. Most chocolate liqueurs contain around 15-20% alcohol by volume (ABV), whereas spirits like vodka or whiskey typically have ABV levels of 40% or more. This means you would need to consume a larger quantity of alcohol-infused chocolate to reach the same level of intoxication.
To put things into perspective, a standard shot of alcohol is typically 30 milliliters. If we consider a 100-gram block of chocolate, you would need to eat almost four blocks to get the equivalent of one shot of liqueur. This is assuming the chocolate liqueur has an ABV of 20%.
Now, let's explore the legal blood alcohol limit in many jurisdictions. In most places, the legal limit is around 0.05% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). To reach this level, most people would need to consume more than 700 grams of chocolate liqueur, assuming a 20% ABV. This is a considerable amount of chocolate, and it's unlikely that someone would unintentionally consume such a large quantity.
If we consider getting “quite drunk,” where one would experience a significant level of intoxication, we need to consume even more alcohol. To put it into perspective, most people would need to eat close to two kilograms of chocolate liqueur, assuming a 20% ABV, to reach a state of being “quite drunk”. This is an enormous amount of chocolate, and it's highly unlikely that anyone would consume it without realizing the effects they are experiencing.
It's important to note that individual tolerance to alcohol varies, and factors such as body weight, metabolism, and previous alcohol consumption can influence how quickly one becomes intoxicated. However, the quantities mentioned above provide a general understanding of the amount of alcohol-infused chocolate one would need to consume to reach certain levels of intoxication.
In my personal experience, I have indulged in alcohol-infused chocolates on numerous occasions. While they provide a delightful flavor combination, the presence of alcohol is more for taste rather than intoxication. The alcohol content is typically mild, enhancing the overall experience without leading to significant levels of drunkenness.
To summarize, alcohol-infused chocolates can technically get you drunk, but the amount you would need to consume is substantial. Most people would need to eat a considerable quantity, ranging from several hundred grams to several kilograms, depending on the desired level of intoxication. It's essential to exercise moderation and be aware of your own tolerance when enjoying alcohol-infused chocolates.