Crisp and cool: Exploring peppermint chocolate

Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with our iconic peppermint chocolate selection available at Hotel Chocolat.

In life, there are some things that are just destined to be together. Strawberries and cream, apple and cinnamon, caramel and sea salt… and peppermint and chocolate.

There's a certain allure to indulging in a timeless combination like peppermint and chocolate. This dynamic flavour duo has captured the hearts of chocolate lovers for generations, offering a refreshing pop of mintiness combined with the rich notes of cacao.

So, why don't we enter the refreshing world of peppermint chocolate together? Take ten minutes out of your day to learn a bit more about this iconic pairing. Who knows, you might even have a few treats in your basket by the end…

What's the difference between mint and peppermint?

Mint, peppermint, to-may-to, to-mah-to. Mint and peppermint are terms often used interchangeably, but there is a little bit of a difference. "Mint" is a broad category that includes a variety of plants - in fact, there are 25 mint varieties. "Peppermint" refers to a specific hybrid of watermint and spearmint, which creates a distinct flavour and aroma.

Peppermint is also known for its high menthol content, which gives it a cooling, almost tingly sensation on the palate. This makes it particularly well-suited for pairing with chocolate, where its sharpness can cut through the richness of cacao for an ideal balance.

No matter if you're enjoying our Mint Chocolate Collection or treating yourself to one of our carefully crafted peppermint Chocolate Selectors, you'll be sure to experience the contrasting flavour notes of each bite.

Peppermint pairings: Which flavours go well with peppermint?

Peppermint pairs beautifully with creamy elements, such as in desserts like ice cream or panna cotta, where its sharpness can cut through the richness and add a refreshing lift.

However, this revitalising ingredient isn't limited to sweet creations. It can also enhance savoury dishes, particularly those featuring lamb, chicken, or vegetables like peas and carrots. A lamb roast with a delicate peppermint-infused sauce will transform this traditional dish into something truly gourmet.

In beverages, peppermint adds a refreshing dimension, no matter if it's a classic peppermint hot chocolate or a more adventurous summer cocktail. Why not try adding some peppermint into your sangria next time you have guests over?

Explore our peppermint chocolate collection

While peppermint chocolate is often associated with winter and the holidays, its versatility extends throughout the year. The refreshing burst of peppermint combined with the rich, complex notes of chocolate can be enjoyed in any and every season.

1. The Dark Peppermint Chocolate Selector

Our Dark Peppermint Chocolate Selector is a prime example of how we've elevated this classic combination to new heights.

We start with a smooth, luxurious ganache made from 80% dark chocolate, chosen for its deep, intense flavour. We've infused this ganache with vibrant Tasmanian peppermint oil. The result? A filling that is both rich and refreshing, with the peppermint adding a bright, cooling finish that cuts through the intensity of the dark chocolate.

But we didn't stop there. Our peppermint ganache features a crisp coating of our signature 70% dark chocolate, which has also been delicately infused with a drop of Tasmanian peppermint oil. The combination of the two layers - one smooth and creamy, the other rich and firm - creates a textural delight, with a satisfying 'crack' as you bite into the chocolate, followed by the smooth, melting ganache.

Each of our Dark Peppermint Chocolate Selector packs includes six filled chocolates, making it the perfect choice for sharing at a dinner party or as a thoughtful gift for a mint chocolate aficionado. Or, if you prefer, keep them all to yourself for those moments when you need a little bit of indulgence.

Don't forget, you can mix and match on our Chocolate Selectors and get any three for £15.

1. The Mint Chocolate Batons

These slender Mint Chocolate Batons are cast in our 70% dark chocolate, offering a smooth, deeply satisfying experience, highlighted by a zing of Tasmanian peppermint.

We love our Batons for their simple, minimalist elegance. Each Baton delivers a precise nibble and snap of peppermint chocolate. We've also incorporated little pops of mint éclat so you get a delightful crunch and an extra burst of minty freshness with every bite.

The Batons are perfect for enjoying on their own, but they also lend themselves beautifully to accompanying a variety of drinks. Try savouring a mint Baton alongside a cup of strong, and enjoy how the cool, refreshing mint notes temper the coffee's rich bitterness. Or perhaps celebrate a special occasion with a glass of red wine. Here, notice how the chocolate and peppermint combination complements the wine's dark fruit notes.

1. The Mint Chocolate Royale Selector

For those who enjoy a bit of extra oomph in their chocolate, our Mint Chocolate Royale Selector is a must-try. This decadent treat introduces another excellent flavour combination: the richness of dark chocolate and the indulgence of caramel, all brought together with a refreshing hint of mint.

The star of this selector is our butter-mint caramel, a sumptuous filling made with lashings of butter to create a smooth, creamy texture. The mint runs through the caramel, adding a refreshing note that helps lift the richness. We then layer this caramel with a white crème, infused with vanilla for a fragrant, luxurious touch. This indulgent filling is then encased in our 70% dark chocolate, which provides a deep, rich cacao base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy filling.

The high cacao content of the dark chocolate ensures that a balance of flavours, with the bitterness of the chocolate cutting through the sweetness of the caramel and crème.

1. The Mojito Chocolate Selector

For those who prefer their mint with a bit of a tropical twist, our Mojito Chocolate Selector offers a refreshing take on the classic mojito cocktail. Bask in a filling that's strong on the rum, crushed mint, and a squeeze of lime.

We've encased the filling in our 36% white chocolate, which adds a subtle sweetness to elevate the flavours of the rum, mint, and lime. We use a higher cocoa butter percentage in our white chocolate than most, ensuring that it's smooth on the palate and demonstrate an exquisite melt.

This Selector is perfect for those who love a bit of a tipple but want the convenience of a chocolate experience. No matter if you're hosting a dinner party and want to offer something a little different for dessert, we think the Mojito Chocolate Selector offers an ideal blend of indulgence and refreshment.

Did you know that the rum used in our Mojito Chocolate Selector is crafted by St Lucian distillers? They're located just a stone's throw away from our Rabot Estate cacao plantation. This close relationship allows us to ensure that the rum is of the highest quality, providing a warming flavour that pairs beautifully with the mint and lime.

What makes our peppermint chocolate different from the rest?

At Hotel Chocolat, we pride ourselves on our direct involvement in every stage of the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. This is what sets our peppermint chocolate apart. By growing some of our own cacao on our estate in Saint Lucia, we can ensure that the chocolate we produce always meets the highest standards.

It all begins with the cacao bean - which we carefully harvest, ferment, and dry to bring out their full flavour potential. Once the beans arrive at our factory, we roast them to perfection, unlocking the complex flavours which form the foundation of our chocolate.

The process doesn't stop there. Our chocolatiers then use traditional techniques, such as conching and tempering, to refine the chocolate and achieve the perfect texture and flavour.

The result is a chocolate that's not just divinely more-ish, but also a reflection of our quality and craftsmanship.

Explore the world of peppermint chocolate with Hotel Chocolat

Peppermint chocolate is a flavour that offers endless possibilities, from the classic combination of dark chocolate and mint to more adventurous pairings like mojito-inspired chocolates. At Hotel Chocolat, we've taken this versatile flavour and created a collection that celebrates the best of what peppermint and chocolate have to offer.

So, why not explore our full Mint Chocolate range? We invite you to discover the perfect peppermint chocolate to satisfy your cravings. If you're drawn to the crisp, cool flavour of peppermint or prefer the rich, velvety taste of our dark chocolate, there's something for everyone in this varied collection.

By Nicky Green

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