In celebration of all things spooky and haunting, October’s First Nibs batch was all about flavors that linger long after their physical medium is gone. One of three bars in the batch was Lapsang Souchong, a 68% dark chocolate made with Ugandan cacao and infused the smoked black tea. Lapsang is made by smoking tea leaves over pinewood, and it infused our bar with the aromatics of a campfire. One customer suggested we make a hot chocolate with this bar, and so we did… three ways.

Below are three variations on Lapsang Hot Chocolate. One is what we’re calling “American-style”, which is heavier on milk and lighter on chocolate. The other is “European-style”, which is heavier on the chocolate and lighter on the milk. Then we present you then  “Goldilocks” option, which is something in between the two. In the “American-style” version, the higher milk content makes a subtle smokey, light and sweet hot chocolate that’s like sipping a *really good* version of powdered hot cocoa packet by a campfire. The “European-style” version is much stronger, with the higher chocolate content also delivering more smoke and much thicker hot chocolate . You’re sitting closer to that campfire and sipping a very decadent brew. If you want something in between this, and that’s what the “Goldilocks” version is for: strong smokey chocolate, but also quite milky and less thick.

All recipes call for the same method and a pinch of flaky sea salt to make everything sing. We put the steps first  Every sip will make you feel like you’re sitting around a fire with your friends, swapping stories of your encounters with the uncanny.

Let us know what you think! 

 

What you'll need:

1 Lapsang Souchong bar

Milk of your choice

Flaky Sea Salt

Double Boiler

Spatula 

Whisk

Steps:

1. Heat up some water in a double boiler. Chop up your chocolate and toss into the top pan, and allow melt. Stir your melted chocolate as it melts.
2. Add your milk and stir. We recommend using a whisk to get everything nice and incorporated and frothy. If you're making the American-style or Goldilocks version, whisk aggressively for a frothier drink. 
3. Sprinkle in a pinch of flaky sea salt and stir.
4. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!

American-Style Lapsang Hot Chocolate

25g of Lapsang Souchong bar (half the bar)

8oz (250ml) milk

A pinch of flaky sea salt - to taste!

European-Style Lapsang Hot Chocolate

50g of Lapsang Souchong bar (one full bar)

4oz (1250ml) milk

A pinch of flaky sea salt - to taste!

Goldilocks Lapsang Hot Chocolate

50g of Lapsang Souchong bar (one full bar)

8oz (250ml) milk

A pinch of flaky sea salt - to taste!