Story and photo: Vivienne Pearson
Do you have a ‘pep-up’ of choice when needing a dose of euphoria, or before a night out? I’m sure lots of substances come to mind, but did chocolate feature on your list? A new trend, coming out of Europe, is using cacao, the base ingredient in chocolate, as a pep-up. Entire dance parties are now reportedly fuelled on cacao.
Thanks to Puremelt Chocolate, Mullumbimby’s Chocolate Lounge, it’s available for you to try!
One part of the trend is snorting cacao. Yep, you read that right – inhaling cacao powder up the nose. This is not what’s available – Sarah Wheeler, owner of Puremelt, is no proponent of snorting, exclaiming: ‘What a waste, when it tastes so good!’
So, it’s drinking all the way, and what a pleasure it is. Sarah’s Elixir Shots are simply delicious! Served looking like a generous shot of espresso coffee, the base of the drink is Sarah’s house-made cacao syrup blended with a host of spices: cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, black pepper, oil of orange and coconut nectar. ‘We add the nectar as it is simply too bitter without it,’ says Sarah. Only a small amount is used and there is no way the shot would be described as sweet.
The way I describe it is warming, both temperature- and taste-wise. The shot is served warm and the spices create a flavourful hit followed by lingering warmth. The cardamom, cinnamon and orange are the dominant notes. Optional extras are cayenne (for those who like an additional warmth), and coconut milk (served on top, making it look similar to a macchiato coffee).
Tasting alongside me, popping in from their office nextdoor, were Chris Deckker and Emma-Lee Luther, from UPLIFT. Emma, sporting a serious case of jetlag, was impressed by the positive effect the elixir had on her. ‘Thank you!’ she said to Sarah, describing feeling more alert with a slight euphoria.
A cacao elixir shot is perfect as a simple winter warmer, for a pep-up before a night out, or simply if you want to try a European trend without the airfare.
Cacao Elixir is sold by the shot or bottle at Puremelt Chocolate Lounge (2/53 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby) – open Mon-Thurs 7am–5.30pm, Fri/Sat to 8.30pm and Sun 8am–2pm.
