Hotel Chocolat teams up with All Bar One for festive chocolate cocktails
Luxury British confectionery group and cacao grower Hotel Chocolat has teamed up for what is believed to be a sector-first with premium bar brand All Bar One to deliver a series of four exclusive, limited-edition cocktails, reports Neill Barston.
As the company revealed, beyond its high grade chocolate business, it already operates two bars, one on its organic Saint Lucian cocoa plantation and the other at our restaurant in London’s Borough Market.
The business added that the experience had stood it in good stead in approaching its latest venture, including techniques including distilling the shell of cacao beans in alcohol reveals distinctive new flavour notes. It has also favoured other creative ideas such as melting its chocolate into vodka and cream for further taste breakthroughs.
Furthermore, the company noted a recent report highlighted that spirit sales have seen a +16% increase in 2021 (19th-25th September 2021 VS equivalent week in 2019*), driven by an obsession with cocktails that was fuelled in lockdown.
Significantly, its move into the drinks world is the first on-trade partnership for Hotel Chocolat’s award-winning Velvetised Cream range creating excitement for both brands around the festive period.
A cross-category, capsule collection includes Midnight Tiramisu, described as having punchy coffee notes, yet mellowed slightly with the creaminess of chocolate, as well as a Chocolat Martini, with its deep cocoa notes, creamy finish and warming undertones,.
There is also it, Mint Royale, deep and mellow cocoa notes combined with uplifting and fragrant peppermint flavours, and a Clementine Chocolat Martini, accented with Caramel & Clementine.
Hotel Chocolat Group Development Manager, David Demaison said: “All Bar One are exceptional mixologists and I am extremely thrilled to have created this collaboration with them. We’ve been able to create 4 versatile, velvety smooth limited-edition chocolate cocktails using our Velvetised Cream flavours. Combining the All Bar One experience and our chocolate expertise, I simply cannot wait for everyone to try them.”
Laura Clarke, Senior Marketing Manager, at All Bar One, added: “At All Bar One we are passionate about creating the best experience for our guests, whatever the occasion is. We are really excited to be partnering with Hotel Chocolat to bring together its unique Velvetised creams and our mixology expertise. The collaboration with Hotel Chocolat is perfect as both brands share the same values; style, innovation and premium quality.”
The All Bar One Cocktail Masterclass experience – available in all bars – offers a chance to have fun and learn some mixology skills. Find out about the inspiration behind the twist on these festive classics and create your own All Bar One and Hotel Chocolat cocktails to enjoy, whether it’s post-work drinks or a weekend catch up with friends. The price is £30 per person, and you can select any three cocktails from the limited-edition menu.
