What do you do when you’re tired and crave something which will uplift your mood? Usually, you grab a bar of chocolate or a glass of tipple at the end of a tiring day. But what if these two things are married together to give you a glass of perfection to calm your nerves? There are many ways to drink your chocolate but the most exotic way is to drink it by mixing it with different kinds of liquors to give you that extra punch.
This unique combination goes way back to ancient times when German artist Hugo Asbach created liqueur-filled chocolates in the 1920s because women were discouraged from drinking alcohol in public. Hollywood stars Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor invented chocolate martinis in 1955 America as they were huge fans of chocolate beverages and martinis. The godfather of Bailey’s Irish Cream, David Dand gave the world a different drink that is premium quality dairy cream mixed with distilled whisky with luxurious pods of vanilla and rich cocoa beans. Satisfy your chocolate tipple cravings as The Telegraph takes you on a trail of 10 F&B outlets in Calcutta serving signature chocolate cocktails.
THE IRISH HOUSE
What: Savour the rich and creamy Irish Bonfire with the flavour of authentic cocoa powder infused in whisky and cream. Served warm for a superior authentic experience at The Irish House in Quest mall.
Price: Rs 345
SERAFINA
What: The authentic Italian cuisine restaurant at Quest mall is serving this rum-based chocolaty cocktail called Consigliere made with rum infused with coffee and chocolate.
Price: Rs 500
DRUNKEN TEDDY
What: Enjoy The Olmec Story, which is a combination of vodka along with fresh apple juice, Bailey’s Irish Cream and infused with chocolate syrup, at this rooftop pub in Chowringhee.
Price: Rs 675
HARD ROCK CAFE
What: The old-school American-themed cafe in the heart of Park Street has the Cookies and Cream Milkshake, which will get you tipsy as it is a concoction of vanilla vodka, creamy vanilla ice cream, and Oreo cookies, finished with whipped cream and sugar-dusted housemade brownie squares. A milkshake for adults!
Price: Rs 600
SOBA SASSY
What: This modern Asian cocktail house at Harrington Mansion has Wake Me Up on its menu, which is the ultimate indulgence of brown butter fat-washed whisky with hickory smoke caramel, dark chocolate and espresso syrup. A dash of homemade chocolate bitters adds complexity. Garnished with a chocolate square, this exquisite creation is a symphony of flavours that will transport you to a realm of unparalleled pleasure.
Price: Rs 745
OLTERRA
What: The Greek-themed nightclub on Park Street has amalgamated dark rum with chocolate bitters, orange bitters and ginger ale to give this clear chocolate cocktail called XO Chocolate.
Price: Rs 519
TIPSY TIGER
What: Tipsy Tiger at Salt Lake Sector V will get you tipsy with Chocolate Fantasy made by shaking together chocolate syrup, hazelnut syrup, Bailey’s, vodka and egg white.
Price: Rs 599
RAASTA
What: Another dark chocolate drink for you from the Caribbean themed restaurant on Park Street is the Chocolate Montegobay, which is a combination of bourbon whisky, dark chocolate along with caramelised syrup and a hint of star anise flavour.
Price: Rs 599-plus
LMNO_Q
What: LMNO_Q on Park Street is serving Chocolate Margarita, which is a classic margarita blended with sinful chocolates.
Price: Rs 680
CARPE DIEM
What: Seize the day at this Park Street gastropub with Nut Kat, a sweet old-fashioned style cocktail made with whisky, caramel syrup, roasted peanut tincture, chocolate and peanut dust.
Price: Rs 549
Pictures: Rashbehari Das and outlets