Candy & Chocolate

Chocolate and sweet treats are the ultimate companions to fine drinks, offering a rich playground of flavors from deep, bitter dark cacao to creamy milk chocolate and sugary confections. The taste profile varies wildly depending on the cacao percentage, origin, and added ingredients like sea salt, nuts, or fruit. Darker bars bring intense, roasty, and sometimes fruity notes, while milk chocolate offers a smooth, comforting sweetness.

When choosing a sweet pairing, look at the cacao percentage on the label; higher percentages (70% and up) have a bittersweet complexity that stands up beautifully to bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or peaty Islay whiskies. Creamier milk chocolates and caramels pair wonderfully with sweet sherries, tawny ports, or stout beers. For a fun contrast, try pairing tart fruit-infused chocolates with sparkling wines. Whether you are winding down after dinner or hosting a tasting, matching the intensity of the treat to the weight of your drink is the key to a perfect pairing.