In the wrong hands, chocolate-inspired cocktails could be all sauce and little substance. Not so at Artisan du Chocolat. The small but oh-so perfectly formed boutique is home to an array of outstanding chocolately treats, including four delicious alcoholic concoctions devised by Nick Strangeway.
We tried the Theaobroma Cacao Pulp Bellini (“prosecco mixed with lycee and apple notes of the Theobrama cacao pulp juice”) – absolutely delicious. Then we spotted a Cacao Martini on the menu and thought it would be rude if we didn’t give it a try.
And we’re really glad we did. Not just because of the way it looks – all lush and exotic in a halved coco shell, cleverly layered with ice – but the taste was truly amazing (vodka infused with cacao nibs and ground cacao beans offering a powerful bitter cacao flavour without the sweetness of traditional chocolate liqueurs”.) Trust us, it’s true.Unfortunately, the ice machine broke just before we arrived so we were unable to try Tony C’s brand new granita-style cocktail based on the Cuban mulato (chocolate spirit, homemade Havana Club liqueur, fresh lime sprinkled with cacao nibs.) But we’ll be back…
Artisan du Chocolat, 81 Westbourne Grove, W2. T: 0845 270 6996 www.artisanduchocolat
