The Hotel Chocolat team’s favourite luxury chocolates

16 Feb 2023

Chocolate Knowledge

Choosing our favourite luxury chocolates isn’t easy but here are some of the Hotel Chocolat team’s best-loved recipes

We feel very lucky to be surrounded by sumptuous, cacao-rich treats and we that all of our luxury chocolates are worth writing about. However, our Hotel Chocolat team members each have a recipe that’s close to their hearts. No matter if you enjoy the light creaminess of white chocolate, the depths and nuances of dark chocolate, or something in-between, here are a few standout truffles, batons, and collections to inspire your next luxury chocolate endeavour.

Our Sleeksters - which is your favourite?

Dizzy Dark Praline: A moment of escapism

Our Head of Brand and Campaigns team member, Sarah Kilmartin, loves our Dizzy Dark Praline. She says:

“I love it because I get that strong cacao hit from the dark chocolate, followed by the creamy smoothness of the praline. I always make sure I’m in a moment where I can sit, close my eyes and savour the taste. The first bite literally makes my shoulders sink, and I feel very relaxed. Escapism at its best!”

Praline is almost essential in every chocolate selection box, so there’s no surprise that this is a firm favourite amongst our staff members.

Our Dizzy Dark Chocolate Praline Selector has been coated in high-cacao dark chocolate, which enhances the flavour profile by adding a subtle bitterness. This creates a rich and flavourful praline that is not too sweet.

Cashew Nuts Chocolate Selector: Moreish nibbles

An all-time favourite of our Keyholder at Hotel Chocolat Sunderland, Damon Hogg, our Cashew Nuts Chocolate Selector is a real crowd pleaser. As Damon will attest: “The salted caramel milk chocolate combines with the bits of cashew nuts perfectly. They are very moreish.”

Our naturally creamy cashews are transformed into a silky smooth praline with a twist. We have put our own spin on the traditional 18th-century French technique by using cashews in place of other nuts. The light sprinkle of salt achieves the perfect flavour balance.

To finish, we sprinkle chopped cashews into the 40% chocolate coating, providing a satisfying crunch that nut enthusiasts crave.

Orange Supermilk Hot Chocolate: Versatile luxury

Laura Field, a big fan of our Velvetiser, is a tried and tested advocate for our Orange Supermilk Hot Chocolate. Don’t believe us? Just see what Laura says about this vibrant, citrus-infused treat.

“I have many favourite products, and one of them is the chocolate orange Velvetiser pack. I love this as a hot drink or a cold milkshake. Last year, I even used it to make my chocolate orange birthday cake. I made a ganache to layer the cake and decorate it on top and outside for texture. It’s a great classic flavour.”

If you’re a fan of chocolate-orange, then this luxury chocolate recipe is for you. Our Supermilk features a higher cacao content than our milk chocolate but retains a mellow creaminess. When paired with authentic orange, its flavour sings.

100% Dark Hot Chocolate: Ultimate cacao hit

Sales Advisor and Keyholder, Sorrel, is another hot chocolate fan, with her favourite product being our 100% Dark Hot Chocolate.

“I love a mug of Velvetised 100% Dark Hot Chocolate every morning. It’s a wholesome, chocolatey boost to start the day, just like the cocoa tea I’ve had in the Caribbean. “

Our Dark Hot Chocolate, made of 100% pure, single-origin cacao sourced from Honduras, is a treat for true chocolate connoisseurs. This traditional and intense chocolate drink offers a complex flavour profile, with bold and powerful notes of red fruit, just like a multi-layered red wine. It also makes an excellent addition to both sweet and savoury recipes. Why not explore our guide to using hot chocolate in baking or discover five creative ways to use 100% chocolate in your cooking?

Hot chocolate in a white cup beside a vase of dried flowers

Strawberry Cheesecake Selector: Bitesize dessert

Hotel Chocolat’s Campaign Manager, Rhian Wood, delights in our quintessentially British Strawberry Cheesecake Selector.

“Where it’s coupled with the strawberry filling, it’s beautifully tangy and delicious. A real blast of flavour.”

The delightful burst of strawberries, the rich and tangy flavour of cheesecake, and the creamy texture of our white chocolate. What’s not to adore? We’ve utilised real strawberries to preserve the taste of these iconic British fruits and transformed them into a delicious bite-sized cheesecake delight.

Orange Wafer Batons: Tangy treats

If you’re looking for a tangy after-dinner tidbit, why not sample one of Orange Wafer Batons? Our CRM Executive, Hannah Elliott, reminisces about Hotel Chocolat treats from her childhood.

“Growing up, getting a product from Hotel Chocolat was always a treat. The orange batons bring together my favourite flavours: Chocolate and orange. For me, the orange batons fill a chocolate-shaped hole.”

These luxury chocolates feature 50% milk chocolate for a blend of mellow creaminess and rich cacao depth. The addition of zesty Seville oranges enhances its taste profile, while the presence of delicate pieces of buttery wafers adds a crisp, crunchy texture. The combination results in a delightful sensory experience.

Milk to Caramel Sleekster: A golden delight

Sometimes, a small chocolate pack isn’t enough to curb the cacao craving. Those looking for a self-care treat or a thoughtful gift for a loved one are sure to appreciate our Milk to Caramel Sleekster.

It strikes a harmonious balance between delicate honey notes and rich cacao flavours. With 34 batons, macarons, and truffles to select from, you’ll find a treat for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect level of indulgence, ideal for those moments when you need a boost.

Emma, our Internal Communications and Engagement Executive is certainly a fan:

“Mellow milks, plus smooth caramels and pralines, it has a lot of my personal favourites inside (alcohol-free too). It’s always in the front of my mind when I need a gift and always a big hit.”

Our Milk to Caramel collection is also available in a slightly smaller size: our H-Box.

Our new Milk to Caramel H-Box

Kirsch Cherries: Fruity decadence

Juicy, whole pitted cherries steeped in the flavourful spirit of kirsch, our Kirsch Cherries unite a soft, fruity centre with a crisp, double-layered shell of creamy milk chocolate and rich dark chocolate. These cherries have been a firm favourite for their perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavour for generations.

James Denton Macdonald, our Hotel Chocolat Store Manager says, “I adore every one of our Flavour Obsessions, but none more so than the Kirsch Cherries. Lush fruit, deep cacao notes blending seamlessly with a potent but never overwhelming kirsch kick. Glorious!”

Luxury chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

We hope these treats have inspired you to explore our range of luxury chocolates. Those looking for classic flavours can enjoy our Milk Chocolate Slab Selector and Creamed Caramel Chocolate Puddles. If you’re looking for more adventurous, browse our Patisserie collection or peruse our chilli chocolate recipes. Whatever you go for, you’ll find only the highest quality ingredients and ethically sourced cacao, resulting in a sumptuous, satisfying tasting experience.