We’ve reached a time of the year when chocolate is in abundance. Soon, no matter how many candy bar wrappers litter your home, it will seem like there’s no way to get to the bottom of the candy-filled pillowcases. Thankfully, we know what you need to help you wash down those candy bars: coffee!
With their bold and sweet flavors, coffee and chocolate perfectly complement each other. You may even find yourself craving chocolate while on a coffee break. That said, not all coffee and chocolate pairings were created equal. Paired correctly, the right coffee and chocolate combination tastes rich and silky. Paired incorrectly, the wrong coffee and chocolate combination can leave the wrong bitter, gritty taste in your mouth.
Follow this helpful guide to better understand what coffee and chocolate pair well together based on their flavor profiles.
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Before we look at pairing the two, it’s important to identify the individual flavor profiles of coffee and chocolate. Both coffee and chocolate can be marked by a variety of flavor combinations.
Coffee’s Flavor Profile
Coffee’s flavor can vary widely based on its origin, roast level, and brewing method. Here are some of the most common flavor notes found in coffee:
- Fruity: We most often find fruity flavor notes in lighter roast coffees. These coffees can have notes of berries, citrus, or stone fruits.
- Nutty: Often found in medium roasts, nutty flavors tend to have a light, buttery flavor. These flavors are often reminiscent of almonds or hazelnuts.
- Chocolatey: Some coffees, particularly those from Brazil or Colombia, can have chocolate notes that often pair well with chocolate itself.
- Spicy: Darker roasts may carry hints of spice, like cinnamon or clove.
Chocolate’s Flavor Profile
Chocolate comes in three distinct flavors that are influenced by its cocoa content and processing methods. Chocolate’s flavor profiles are as follows:
- Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate tends to be creamy and sweet and often contains notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich and complex, often including flavors like berry, coffee, or even earthy undertones.
- White Chocolate: White chocolate tends to be light, sweet, and buttery, often featuring hints of vanilla.
Pair Like for Like Flavors
It may seem like the obvious choice to pair similar flavors with each other, but it’s a good rule of thumb. If you’re planning to pair two flavors that are alike, you’ll rarely go wrong.
Darker chocolates tend to pair well with dark roasts. Creamier, lighter chocolates tend to pair well with light roasts. Nutty coffees that have notes of cocoa often go well with the sharpness of dark chocolate. Coffees that have more fruity, berryish, or floral flavors go well with milk or white chocolates that contain less cocoa and taste less intense. Spicy coffees typically go well with particularly bitter chocolate, especially those flavored with chili or other spices.
Balance Is Key
When it comes to combining coffee and chocolate, it’s important to combine flavors that will not overpower each other. Chocolate or coffee with vivid flavor palettes should be paired with subtler flavors. A specialty coffee drink or exotic chocolate variety should be paired with a more mild chocolate or coffee.
Ideal Pairings
Here are some flavor combinations we recommend that you might want to try.
Light Roast Coffee with Dark Chocolate
The bright acidity of light roast coffee pairs beautifully with the rich bitterness of dark chocolate. Look for chocolates with at least 70% cocoa to enhance the complex flavors of the coffee.
Medium Roast Coffee with Milk Chocolate
The smooth, creamy notes of milk chocolate complement the nutty and caramel flavors found in medium roast coffee. This pairing is especially nice as a cozy afternoon treat.
Espresso with Dark Chocolate
Espresso and Brazilian coffee bean blends pair well with dark chocolate containing a high percentage of cocoa. These sharp flavors go perfectly with espresso as the rich bitterness of dark chocolate highlights the notes of chocolate and nuts that Brazilian coffees are known for.
Espresso with Chocolate Truffles
A bold espresso creates a powerful flavor punch that goes well with rich, indulgent chocolate truffles. Opt for truffles filled with coffee, hazelnut, or even spicy flavors for a delightful contrast.
Cold Brew with White Chocolate
The smooth, refreshing qualities of cold brew coffee can balance the sweetness of white chocolate. Add a touch of vanilla or caramel to enhance this pairing further.
Pair Exotic Flavors
Both coffee and chocolate have unique varieties to discover. Pairing an unusual brew with an exotic sweet delicacy could end up being your favorite combination of all. All you need is a willingness to experiment.
Additional Tips for Pairing
- Experiment with Ratios: The strength of your coffee and chocolate should be balanced. If one is overpowering the other, try adjusting the ratio until you find a combination that works for you.
- Consider Add-Ins: Flavoring your coffee with milk, cream, sugar, or spices (like pumpkin spice or cinnamon) or infusing your chocolate with fruits can create unique combinations.
- Savor the Experience: Take your time when tasting. Notice how the flavors interact and change as you enjoy your chocolate and coffee.
- Pair with Other Treats: You don’t need to limit yourself to just coffee and chocolate. Consider adding pastries, cookies, or other sweets to your tasting experience
Pairing chocolate and coffee can be a delightful journey of flavors that can lead to exciting discoveries. By thoroughly understanding the characteristics and tastes of each ingredient and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a tasting experience that excites your unique palate.
Next time you notice that you’re craving something sweet while on your coffee break, consider reaching for a piece of chocolate— there definitely isn’t a shortage of it around the ongoing holiday season. When you do, consider how chocolate and coffee might enhance each other and keep this guide in mind. Happy pairing!
