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Substitutions · 3 dishes here use it
Chocolate as a sweetener, and the clear version tastes the same as the brown one. It sweetens hard, so it displaces syrup rather than joining it.
Everything below is judged against that job. A swap that covers it is a swap; one that only looks similar is not.
Functional substitution system
For creme de cacao, the page's working definition is: Chocolate as a sweetener, and the clear version tastes the same as the brown one. It sweetens hard, so it displaces syrup rather than joining it. The swap cards below are judged against that job rather than visual resemblance.
Job → candidate → side effects → small test → correct.
1 · Job
What is the missing ingredient doing?
2 · Candidate
Choose the shelf item that replaces that function.
3 · Side effects
Check water, fat, salt, acid, sweetness, and texture.
4 · Small test
Change a spoonful or small portion first when possible.
5 · Correct
Taste again and move only the axis that is still wrong.
Instead · 1
one for one; an ounce of chocolate per two ounces of syrup
Instead · 2
one for one
Instead · 3
three quarters ounce syrup, three dashes
These need it and are short enough that nothing hides: 4 required ingredients or fewer. Make the swap a decision rather than a repair.
The company creme de cacao keeps in this library, counted off required ingredients. A swap that argues with the top two is the wrong swap, whatever a chart says.