How to Make the Perfect Artisan Hot Chocolate Mix at Home

In a world where chocolate has become synonymous with quick fixes and sugar rushes, there's a quiet revolution brewing. It's a story of returning to roots, of rediscovering what chocolate truly means. This is the story of Before Chocolate, and how a simple mug of hot chocolate can become an art form.

A Tale of Cacao

Picture this: lush South American fields where Fino de Aroma cacao trees stretch towards the sun. Their pods, heavy with promise, are carefully tended by farmers who understand that great chocolate begins long before it reaches your mug. This is where our journey begins.

At Before Chocolate, we didn't set out to create just another hot chocolate. We wanted to transport you to those sun-drenched fields, to let you taste the care and passion that goes into every cacao bean. It's not about reinventing the wheel; it's about rediscovering what the wheel was meant to be in the first place.

From Bean to Mug

Our hot chocolate isn't born in a laboratory or conjured up by food scientists. It's crafted by people who love chocolate, who respect its heritage. We start with whole cacao beans - 51% of our mix, to be precise. These aren't just any beans, but single-origin gems selected for their exceptional flavour profiles.

But great ingredients are just the beginning. It's what we don't add that makes all the difference. You won't find any mysterious numbers or unpronounceable additives here. We keep things simple: cacao, unrefined muscovado sugar, and a touch of agave syrup. That's it. No hidden nasties, no compromise.

The Ritual of Preparation

Making a mug of Before Chocolate isn't just about following instructions; it's about creating a pause in your day. Here's how we do it:

1. Begin with 200ml of your favourite milk - dairy, almond, oat, whatever makes your taste buds happy. As you gently heat it, resist the urge to rush. Let the anticipation build.

1. Once your milk is simmering (but not boiling - we're not barbarians), it's time for the magic. Add three generous tablespoons of our hot chocolate mix. That's 27 grams of pure, unadulterated cacao goodness.

1. Now comes the meditative part. Whisk gently for two minutes. Watch as the rich, dark mix melts with the milk, creating a velvety smooth elixir. Breathe in the aroma. This isn't just hot chocolate; it's a sensory experience.

1. Pour it into your favourite mug - you know, the one that feels just right in your hands. Take a moment to appreciate the deep, rich colour. This is what real hot chocolate looks like.

More Than Just a Drink

When you take that first sip, you're not just tasting chocolate. You're tasting a philosophy. It's a philosophy that says we don't need to complicate things to make them better. That sometimes, going back to basics is the most progressive thing we can do.

Our hot chocolate is vegan-friendly and our ingredients are free from the 14 main allergens. Not because we set out to tick boxes, but because when you focus on using pure, high-quality ingredients, these things often fall into place naturally.

A Community of Chocolate Lovers

Over time, we've discovered that Before Chocolate is more than just a product; it's become a community. A community of people who appreciate the finer things in life, who understand that true luxury lies in simplicity and quality.

Don't just take our word for it. The judges at the Great Taste Awards described our hot chocolate as having "an intense, rich level of chocolate, not too sweet. This is an exceptional hot chocolate." But the real joy comes from the stories our customers tell us. Of cosy evenings in, of family traditions being born, of that perfect moment of bliss in a hectic day.

Your Turn to Explore

We've shared our story and our method, but the beauty of Before Chocolate is that it's endlessly customisable. Some like it with a pinch of sea salt, others with a dash of cinnamon. Some swear by oat milk, others by classic dairy. The point is, there's no wrong way to enjoy it.

So why not give it a try? Create your own Before Chocolate moment. Whether it's a quiet morning indulgence or a shared experience with loved ones, we hope our hot chocolate adds a little bit of joy to your day.

Remember, great chocolate doesn't need to shout about itself. It simply invites you to slow down, take a sip, and rediscover what chocolate can be. Welcome to the world of Before Chocolate. We're glad you're here.