Gourmet Drinking Chocolate is a pure Swiss Maracaibo 65% Dark chocolate blend made specifically for drinking. Rich, intense and aromatic, add 3 tablespoons to your choice of milk and indulge in approximately 6 servings per package. Perfect for chocolate lovers and foodies who enjoy artisanal chocolate shop treats and factory-made confections. Enjoy the decadent taste and quality without breaking the bank. Approximately 6 cups per package.
Nutrition Facts
MARACAIBO 65% DARK CHOCOLATE (cacao kernels, sugar, cacao butter, vanilla)
We create our drinking chocolate by grinding Swiss Maracaibo 65% dark chocolate into fine shavings specifically calibrated for melting into liquid. Hill Country Chocolate sources Felchlin's single-origin Maracaibo chocolate from Venezuela's Sur del Lago region, where cacao trees grow in the unique microclimate between Lake Maracaibo and the Andes Mountains—this chocolate contains only cacao kernels, sugar, cacao butter, and vanilla, with no added cocoa powder or fillers that dilute the pure chocolate experience.
The Maracaibo cacao beans undergo a precise roasting and conching process in Switzerland before arriving at our Fredericksburg, Texas facility, where we shave the tempered chocolate blocks into the optimal particle size that dissolves smoothly in hot milk while maintaining the chocolate's complex flavor compounds. Each batch is tested to ensure the shavings melt evenly at 140-160°F without leaving gritty residue, creating a drinking chocolate with the velvety mouthfeel and intense cacao notes of melted chocolate bars rather than the dusty texture of powder-based mixes.
What Makes It Special
Unlike drinking chocolates made from cocoa powder and sugar, ours contains actual tempered chocolate with its full cocoa butter content intact, which creates a richer body and silkier texture when melted. The Maracaibo cacao's distinctive flavor profile—notes of red fruit, nuts, and subtle spice—comes through clearly because we use no artificial flavors or unnecessary additives, just pure Swiss chocolate crafted for the Texas Hill Country market.
How to Enjoy
Heat your choice of milk to 150°F (just below scalding), whisk in 3 tablespoons of chocolate shavings per 8-ounce serving, and stir until completely dissolved. For an indulgent variation, try it with half-and-half or add a splash of vanilla extract; store unused chocolate in a cool, dry place away from strong odors.
Product FAQs
Q: Does this drinking chocolate contain dairy or nuts?
A: The Gourmet Drinking Chocolate contains pure Swiss Maracaibo 65% dark chocolate (cacao kernels, sugar, cacao butter, vanilla) with no dairy in the ingredients. However, it may contain traces of milk, hazelnuts, and almonds due to shared equipment at Hill Country Chocolate's Fredericksburg facility. Those with severe allergies should exercise caution.
Q: How long does the drinking chocolate stay fresh after opening? A: Once opened, store the drinking chocolate in an airtight container in a cool, dry place below 70°F for up to 6 months. The powder maintains its rich flavor best when protected from moisture and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed between uses to prevent the chocolate from absorbing kitchen odors.
Q: Can I have this drinking chocolate shipped as a gift?
A: Yes, Hill Country Chocolate ships nationwide and offers gift messaging options at checkout. The drinking chocolate comes in attractive packaging suitable for gifting. During warmer months (May-September), we recommend expedited shipping to Texas addresses to ensure the chocolate arrives in perfect condition.
Q: What's the best way to prepare this drinking chocolate?
A: Add 3 tablespoons of powder to 8 ounces of hot milk (dairy or non-dairy) and whisk until smooth. For extra richness, use half milk and half cream, or add a splash of vanilla extract. Each package makes approximately 6 servings. The 65% Maracaibo chocolate creates an intensely chocolatey drink without being overly sweet.
Q: What makes Maracaibo chocolate special for drinking chocolate?
A: Maracaibo cacao from Venezuela has naturally low acidity and pronounced chocolate notes with hints of red fruit and nuts. At 65% cacao content, it delivers intense chocolate flavor while remaining smooth rather than bitter. This Swiss-processed single-origin chocolate dissolves beautifully in hot liquid, creating a silky texture without grittiness.
Q: Can I use this for baking or just for drinking?
A: While formulated specifically for drinking, this pure chocolate powder works excellently in baking. Use it to intensify chocolate flavor in brownies, cakes, or truffles—substitute 1:1 for cocoa powder in recipes. The higher fat content from the cacao butter creates richer results than standard cocoa powder.