Decadent Desserts in a Cup
Chocolate. We all know it. We all love it. Adults can’t help but indulge in it, and kids demand it. In today’s world, this easily accessible delicacy is enjoyed by all ages in many countries worldwide. As summer packs up and autumn begins to unfold, this time of year beckons a call to all chocolate lovers far and wide. What better way to do this than in our cups? Let’s first explore what chocolate is and how we came to love this ever-popular sweet treat.
Chocolate is made from the cocoa (cacao) beans (seeds) that grow in oval-shaped pods on the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), which originated in the historic region of Mesoamerica. As we know it today, Mesoamerica comprises the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, central to southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and Nicaragua. It was populated by three major civilizations: the Olmec, Maya, and Aztecs.
These ancient civilizations all honored the cacao plant as sacred and used it in various ways. Historians have found documentation of cacao seeds being used as flavoring enhancements for beverages from the Olmec civilization, dating back to 1800 BC.
The Aztecs used cacao beans as a form of currency, placing more value on cacao than we do on gold. The Mayans believed it was a gift from the gods and would regularly consume cocoa as a beverage.
Chocolate would not be known outside of Mesoamerica until 1528 AD when Hernán Cortés, a Spanish explorer, brought the bitter bean beverage to his homeland of Spain. It was in Spain that chocolate met sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and, from Spain, chocolate spread into the rest of Europe and beyond.
Now, most of the time when you think of chocolate, you may think of a candy bar, cake, or mousse. But, as we have learned, chocolate’s first debut to humankind was as a beverage. Here at Upton Tea Imports, we have embraced this concept and have the perfect marriage of chocolate and tea, a dynamic duo that can turn any cup into dessert. We invite you to explore and sample these delectable teas.
NT102: Chocolate Banana Bread Keemun Black Tea
This tea is a dream team, combining chocolate and bananas together for a sensational cuppa. Whether you have this in the morning or before bed, it’s a delightful dessert in your mug. Add a splash of milk or cold foam to take this to a new level.
NT103: Chocolate Orange Spice Keemun Black Tea
This tea is one for the books, where juicy orange meets smooth rich chocolate. The uplifting spice notes are delightful. The trio works in perfect harmony, making it sweet, tart, and rich.
NT104: Chocolate Mint Chip Keemun Black Tea
You can’t get more classic than mint and chocolate. This timeless pair is always a delicious way to end a meal or relax with in the evening. Exhilarating mint and rich chocolate blend to make a delicious cup.
NT94: Mélange De Chamonix Black Tea
This is a fine black tea, melded with cardamom pods, cinnamon spice, and cocoa kernels. It creates a smooth harmony of decadence. Great with or without milk.
TSA5: Chocolate Truffle Colombian Black Tea
This tea blends a sultry, bold Colombian whole-leaf black tea with cacao nibs and husks from the Tumaco region of Colombia. From the second you inhale the fragrance of this tea, you will be whisked away to a scrumptious world of chocolate bliss. This tea may be enhanced with milk or sweetener to make it an even more decadent experience.
Chocolate Truffle is so versatile it can even be combined with other teas, creating luxuriously exquisite takes on classic flavors.
S’mores Galore
Makes one 8 oz. mug
Ingredients:
- 1 gram- TSA5: Chocolate Truffle Colombian Black Tea TSA5
- 1 gram- NF90: Vanilla Black Tea
- 1 gram- ZS80: Lapsang Souchong Imperial
- Sweetener, if desired
- Cold foam or whipped cream
Directions
- Blend the teas and steep for 3-5 minutes in boiling point (212F) water.
- If desired, add your choice of sweetener.
- For a flair of indulgence, top it off with cold foam or whipped cream.
Earl of Truffle
Makes one 8 oz. mug
Ingredients:
- 1 gram- NT01: Earl Grey Creme Vanilla Black Tea
- 2 grams TSA5: Chocolate Truffle Colombian Black Tea TSA5
- Sweetener, if desired
- Cold foam or whipped cream
Directions
- Blend the teas and steep for 3-5 minutes in boiling point (212F) water.
- If desired, add your choice of sweetener.
- For a flair of indulgence, top it off with cold foam or whipped cream.
Desserts don’t have to be heavy; they can be delightfully delicious in your favorite mug. So, let's drink dessert!
We hope you enjoy these delicious dessert-in-a-cup teas and recipes. Cheers from Upton Tea Imports!