Christmas is one of my favourite times of year to shake up craft cocktails (with summer Aperol Spritz sips on the cottage dock coming in at a close second). It’s that one time of year I’m most likely to connect with extended family members, and there’s no better way to catch up with loved ones than over a well-balanced libation.
The culinary team who run Piano Piano on Harbord Street recently opened Cafe Cancan a stones throw away, transforming the iconic Harbord Room into a rosy pink splashed space which pays homage to French bistro faves.
The restaurant’s Chef Victor Barry armed with a choir of Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate bars has whipped up three craft cocktails that surprise and delight, showcasing the versatility of quality chocolate when muddled with serious spirits in a thoughtful way.
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“Chocolate is very complex, which is why it’s such a versatile cocktail ingredient,” says Brandt Maybury, Taste Specialist at Green & Black’s. “With more than 600 different flavour compounds in cocoa, it pairs well with almost everything. Chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat. It can be bitter, spicy or even salty depending on your recipe.”
Chef Victor Barry has taken Maybury’s advice to heart, creating a trifecta of one-of-a-kind chocolate-inspired cocktail recipes for the holidays which will make a special appearance in Toronto this holiday seasons at Piano Piano and Cafe Cancan until December 21st.
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Whether you’re looking to surprise and delight family at home with a chocolate spiked sipper or keen to celebrate the Christmas season with friends by hopping up at the bar at Piano Piano or Cafe Cancan, Barry’s Green & Black’s chocolate trilogy are certain to inspire.
Highland Holiday | green & black’s dark chocolate, whipping cream, scotch, galliano, simple, egg, bitters, nutmeg, orange zest
Spicy Chocolate Cheer | tequila, green & black’s ginger dark chocolate, anaheim chili peppers, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, mezcal, lemon, orgeat syrup
Blanc Cafe Lolita | green & black’s white chocolate, espresso, sugar, vodka, whipping cream, fernet italian liqueur
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