There’s something about chocolate that feels like an indulgence – it’s rich, complex, comforting. Add a perfectly aged spirit into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a pairing that speaks luxury. This World Chocolate Day, we’re taking a detour from the usual bars and bonbons to explore the often-overlooked chemistry between fine chocolate and premium spirits. Think dark chocolate with a peaty Scotch, or creamy pralines with an aged rum. It’s not just about sweetness, but about layering textures, intensifying flavours, and finding the kind of balance that makes your tastebuds pause and enjoy the indulgence. Here’s the ultimate guide to pairing your spirits with the right kind of chocolate.
Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin
Hapusa is a proudly Indian dry gin that draws deep inspiration from the raw, rugged landscapes of its homeland. Crafted using wild juniper berries handpicked from the Himalayan region, the name itself, derived from the Sanskrit word for juniper, nods to its roots. The gin’s flavour profile is striking and unconventional, blending earthy complexity with a crisp, pine-like brightness. Distinctive Indian botanicals like turmeric, gondhoraj lime, and raw mango add layers of spice, zest, and warmth that set it apart from more traditional gins.
Chocolate pairing: The bold, terroir-driven nature of Hapusa makes it an excellent companion for dark chocolate in the 50–60% cacao range. Choose variants infused with citrus notes, such as orange or blood orange. These subtly enhance the gin’s herbal, foresty character while softening its intensity, resulting in a refined and deeply satisfying flavour pairing.
D’YAVOL VORTEX
If you’re drawn to statement-making style and equally daring flavour, VORTEX is a whisky that demands attention. This powerful blended Scotch brings together single malt and single grain whiskies from all corners of Scotland — the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, and the Islands. The result is a dram that’s both intricate and deeply layered. On the nose, it opens with a rich medley of malted sweetness and fresh orchard fruit, unfolding into hints of vanilla, creamy fudge, and a delicate trace of Islay peat. The finish lingers gracefully — smooth, gently smoky, and warming.
Chocolate Pairing: It pairs well with dark Swiss pralines.
Crazy Cock – The Single Malt Whisky DHUA
Crafted in India using the country’s largest copper pot stills and aged in expansive maturation warehouses, Crazy Cock – The Single Malt Whisky DHUA is a peated single malt that brings a quiet intensity to the glass. Hailing from South Seas Distilleries, this expression is defined by its gentle smokiness, delicate hints of charred wood and barbecue, and a warm, persistent finish that lingers with quiet confidence.
DHUA is one of the first releases to emerge from this long-guarded collection — a bold, character-driven whisky that, much like artisanal chocolate, is meant to be savoured slowly by those who value complexity, patience, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Chocolate Pairing: Dark chocolate with smoked sea salt, burnt toffee, or a touch of chilli.
Crazy Cock – The Single Malt Whisky RARE
Produced at South Seas Distilleries, one of the pioneers of malt whisky in India, Crazy Cock – The Single Malt Whisky RARE is a robust, full-bodied expression that unfolds with notes of dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of sun-ripened berries. Its rich amber tone and smooth, velvety finish make it a natural companion for chocolates that echo its layered personality.
Chocolate Pairing: Dark chocolate infused with caramel or roasted nuts.
Godawan Artisanal Single Malt
This acclaimed Indian single malt is a true reflection of conscious luxury — thoughtful in its craftsmanship and deeply rewarding in flavour. It’s an ideal pour to celebrate World Chocolate Day, with its nuanced character pairing beautifully alongside rich, artisanal cocoa. Godawan 01 Rich and Rounded is matured in an uncommon blend of PX Sherry and Bourbon casks, resulting in a decadent flavour profile layered with notes of raisins, figs, sultanas, and dried apricots. The finish is smooth and luxurious, revealing hints of aged oak, golden caramel, and a buttery sweetness that calls to mind a slice of baklava. Crafted for those who seek richness and elegance in every sip, this expression shines as a jewel in India’s most decorated single malt collection.
Chocolate Pairing: Godawan 01 Rich and Rounded can be paired with nutty dark chocolates, hints of salted caramel, touches dried fruits, that echo its rich caramel and layered character.
Pistola Anejo
Maya Pistola Agavepura’s Anejo is a sophisticated take on Indian-crafted agave spirit, aged for over 14 months in virgin American oak barrels. Its deep amber hue hints at the richness within, unfolding into aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, accented by subtle layers of dried fruit and gentle spice. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with a bold presence, finishing long and intricate, a testament to the care and detail poured into its making. Best enjoyed neat or over a single cube of ice, this Anejo also makes a luxurious companion to dark chocolate with a high cacao content. It’s a spirit meant for those who savour patience, complexity, and the art of well-aged indulgence.
Chocolate pairing: Pistola’s aged Añejo pairs phenomenally with any pure bitter chocolate made with 90% cacao.
Davana Vermouth Indica
Davana Vermouth Indica proudly holds the title of being India’s first fully homegrown vermouth. Crafted with premium-quality wine and a distinctive selection of Indian botanicals, it reimagines the traditional aperitif through a uniquely local lens. Offered in two flavourful expressions, Davana is as versatile as it is flavourful, seamlessly blending into cocktails or standing confidently on its own.
Davana Rosso delivers a deep, nuanced taste with hints of ripe red berries, aromatic herbs, and a beautifully balanced bittersweet finish. Its complexity shines in timeless cocktails like the Negroni or simply poured over ice with a slice of orange for a refreshingly elegant serve.
Chocolate pairing: Rosso pairs well with – Dark chocolate with dried cherries and Dark chocolate with chilli
Davana Bianco, on the other hand, is light, vibrant, and full of personality, offering a blend of floral, zesty citrus, and gentle spice. Its crisp, aromatic profile makes it both refreshing and layered, ideal for warm-weather sipping. Enjoy it chilled on its own or mix it into a spritz; either way, it delivers a distinctly Indian take on a classic vermouth style.
Chocolate pairing: Bianco pairs well with – white chocolate with a citrus zest and milk chocolate with sea salt and almonds.
On this World Chocolate Day, Diageo India has collaborated with SMOOR Chocolates for the Dessert Collection by Baileys x SMOOR collection.
Ruchira Jaitly, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India, said, “India’s luxury landscape is now being driven by a new generation of consumers who are more design-aware, experience-led, and eager to discover what’s next. We see this shift especially in the world of desserts and gifting, where flavour, form, and story are now central to how people choose and celebrate. Aligned with Diageo India’s vision of crafting elevated experiences through innovation, the Dessert Collection by Baileys x SMOOR is a thoughtful collaboration between two brands that share a commitment to global indulgence and homegrown creativity. It’s a bespoke, non-alcoholic take on chocolate, made for a more curious consumer.”
