Cabaret Brewed Chocolate

I received a jar of Cabaret Brewed Chocolate to review just as the weather got kind of uncomfortably warm and the last thing I wanted was a soothing hot drink. Even if it was a hot, chocolate drink. But now a few weeks on, I have tried Cabaret Brewed Chocolate in several ways and I was foolish, because this stuff is quite flexible and can also be enjoyed cold.

But let’s back up, what is “this stuff”? Cabaret Brewed Chocolate is a thin syrup brewed from whole raw cacao beans in a process similar to brewing coffee, but that’s where the similarities to coffee end. The resulting syrup is mixed into hot water (or other beverages) and it creates a drink that is similar to chocolate tea. And that’s key here, this is not a packaged cocoa mix. The syrup is made of only roasted cacao beans and evaporated cane juice and straight from the jar it is reminiscent to the chocolate sauce you might put on ice cream (and by the way, you can totally do that with Cabaret too). Mixed into hot water, the result is delicate and pleasant. The flavor has the depth, smokiness and sophistication of a high quality cocoa. I drank a cup before bed on several occasions and found it to be a lovely nightcap. Some people claim that brewed chocolate gives them a “lift” and makes them alert without the jittery feelings created by caffeinated beverages. I don’t know that I felt any different but I also didn’t have any problems falling asleep on the nights I indulged.

I have also tried Cabaret Brewed Chocolate mixed with my morning coffee and mixed with soymilk. It added a slight chocolate flavor and sweetness to the coffee but it did wonders for the soymilk. I have not yet tried it mixed with any alcoholic beverages but the website suggests mixing it with water and whisky, rum or vodka and I think that sounds like a fine idea.

With 24 calories per teaspoon and less than half a gram of fat, it’s a bit of a nutritional bargain when mixed with water or low fat milk or soymilk. Chocolate famously contains many antioxidants and the limited amount of processing that Cabaret does helps retain all the good stuff. And while the lack of fat may make some say that it tastes like weak cocoa (well, that’s what my husband thought anyway) it certainly makes it more diet friendly. In fact, I might suggest this to those with huge chocolate cravings who need a little support with fewer calories than a candy bar. Value wise, this isn’t bad, a $14.95 makes 24 for half cup servings, which is not a lot, but you don’t need more than a half cup because it really is that satisfying. It’s also very nicely packaged and would make a lovely hostess gift. Personally, I’d like to serve it as an after-dinner drink in demitasse cups.

You can read more about Cabaret Brewed Chocolate and even order it right from their website. And for the record, when they were told that I look for "cool guy things" they replied that a significant percent of people who buy the chocolate are "cool guys" so it might just be that unique gift you need for the man in your life!