4 Summer Cocktail and Chocolate Pairings to Try
Daytime by the poolside: Try Lindt Excellence Sea Salt Dark Chocolate with a Berry Basil Smash
Keep your summer cool with a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for being poolside. The slight sweetness of the dark chocolate and hint of saltiness pairs well with the savoury nature of the basil and sweet notes of the strawberries. The freshness of the lime and the bubbles from the soda add a lightness and effervescence to round out the flavours.
Berry Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 2 large strawberries
- 3 large basil leaves
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Soda
Make it In a shaker, muddle (crush) the strawberries and basil. Add all ingredients except soda and shake with ice. Double strain into a glass with fresh ice and top with soda. Stir and garnish with a strawberry before enjoying in a Collins or small highball glass.
Cinq à Sept cocktails: Try Lindt Excellence White Vanilla Chocolate with an ElderBerry Sparkler
Unwind after a long workday with a sophisticated yet fruity cocktail with friends. The buttery characteristics of this smooth white chocolate are brought to light by the spirited acidity and complex aromas of sparkling wine. The elderflower and black raspberry round out the combination with floral and fruity notes.
ElderBerry Sparkler
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz black raspberry liqueur
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Sparkling wine
Make it In a shaker, add all ingredients and shake. Strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with twisted lemon peel. Also works with: Lindt Excellence Chili Dark Chocolate
Sunset drinks on the dock: Try Lindt Excellence Strawberry Dark Chocolate with a French Canadian
It doesn’t get much more patriotic than enjoying Canadian-inpired cocktails on the dock. The surprising pieces of strawberry in the chocolate enhance the subtle berry notes in this tart cocktail, while at the same time the complexity of the dark chocolate complements the sweet and unique flavours of the maple syrup.
French Canadian
Ingredients
- 1 oz Canadian whisky
- 1/2 oz black raspberry liqueur
- 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz pure Canadian maple syrup
- 3 drops Angostura bitters
Make it In a shaker, add all ingredients and shake. Strain into a Collins or highball glass with fresh ice and garnish with lemon.
Backyard bash: Try Lindt Excellence Chili Dark Chocolate with a classic margarita
Look no further than a crowd-pleasing margarita to indulge at a lively summer party. The well-balanced spice of the chocolate brings out the tangy notes of the lime, while the salt opens the taste buds to enhance every flavour. The refreshing nature of the cocktail also quenches the slight heat punctuated by the chocolate and finishes with an exciting tingle.
Classic Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Sea salt or coarse salt for the rim
Make it In a shaker, add all ingredients and shake. Strain into martini or cosmo glass rimmed with salt and garnish with lime. Also works with: Lindt Excellence Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Alexis Green is the Montreal-based certified spirits specialist serving as Canadian Whisky Brand Ambassador for Collingwood Blended Canadian Whisky.