How to Make Homemade Black Licorice: DIY Licorice Recipe

Black licorice is a confection typically flavored and colored black with the extract from the roots of the licorice plant. Licorice root, botanically known as glycyrrhiza glabra, translates to “sweet root” in Greek. An ancient cure-all, black licorice has long been used to soothe gastrointestinal conditions and contains anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

The flavor of black licorice candy can taste sweet and slightly bitter, with notes of anise and fennel.

Licorice manufacture begins by making a batch of licorice paste typically with liquorice extract, sugar, a binder, starch or flour, gum arabic, flavoring, ammonium chloride, molasses, and gelatin. The batch is cooked then extruded through a nozzle in a variety of shapes including: braids, straw, twists, shoestrings, and ribbons. Once they have cooled, they are cut into pieces of a desired length and finished with a glaze that enhances the shine of the product and keeps the pieces from sticking together in the packaging.

There are differences between black and red licorice that go beyond color and flavor. Black licorice is flavored with licorice extract (from the licorice plant), anise, or a combination of the two. It can also contain molasses, which is added to enhance the bittersweet licorice flavor. Red licorice does not contain licorice extract and is commonly made with artificial or natural food dye and fruit flavorings such as strawberry, cherry, or raspberry.

These homemade black licorice twists are guaranteed to transport you back in time—to your local dime store stocked with this chewy old fashioned candy treat. Once made, these licorice twists can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Cook’s Note: For smaller portions, cut into ½ x 2-inch pieces and wrap like caramels in wax paper with twisted ends.