The refreshing and crisp fino pairs perfectly with a slice of ham, but when it comes to a piece of chocolate, you need something with a little more color.
The complex flavor profiles we need to pair with chocolate come from the aging process of the spirit. Those aged in oak barrels are the best—this is where they develop all the wonderful notes that define them.
Sherry is a great example of a drink that takes on a whole new life in the barrels. Starting out as something dominated by the sweetness and richness of chocolate, after aging in the solera system, it becomes the perfect accompaniment.
All fortified wines work well, as they have layered flavors—so don’t be afraid to pair chocolate with an Italian Marsala, a Port, or even a dry sherry like Amontillado. Although the perfect sherry for chocolate is PX—a complex wine so sweet that it pairs well with chocolate desserts like brownies or even a simple chocolate bar.
Because it is aged in sherry casks, Cardenal Mendoza is a great drink to start experimenting with pairing with chocolate. The brandy’s initial sweet notes and nutty flavors are ideal for bringing out the best in high-quality dark chocolate.
Any spirit that has been aged in oak also pairs well.
Rum pairs well with any chocolate featuring spicy notes or hints of tropical fruit, but remember that the darker the rum, the better.
Whiskey has a wide range of flavors, so it’s best to start with your favorite drink—if you like a single malt, you’ll need a lighter chocolate, but if you like a "peaty monster of a dram," as the Scots say, it will pair better with stronger chocolate, including truffles.
Tequila is the exception that proves the rule—even though it isn’t aged in oak, a gold tequila is a great pairing for chocolate, especially one with toffee and honey notes.
If you prefer beer, dark varieties such as stouts and porters are perfect. The longer roasting of the malts used in their production gives them rich flavors of caramel, coffee, and even chocolate, making for a simple yet ideal combination!
Other beverages, such as liqueurs, can pair wonderfully with all kinds of filled chocolates—the key is to try to match the flavor of the liqueur with the flavor of the filling.
There’s a drink for whatever kind of chocolate you like—just remember the rules:
It has to be high-quality chocolate; you have to take your time, and if you can’t find the one that goes with your favorite drink, keep looking—after all, when has eating chocolate ever been hard work?
