I am a fan of Meletti. This family has been making magically delicious digestivi, amari, and other potently delicious beverages for generations. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered their most outrageous product yet: Meletti Cioccolato. This stuff is deeply dark, rich, and full of bittersweet chocolate flavors.
I first tasted it as part of a cocktail made with a smoky Mezcal at Pasadena’s new hotspot, Trattoria Neapolis. I was intrigued enough to purchase a bottle at Hi-Time Wine Cellars for a friend’s BBQ…
The Meletti Cioccolato is a stunner- I love the way everyone’s eyes get wide, and they gasp at how dark and thick it is when they see it slowly ooze out of the bottle. Pure luxury. I had chilled the bottle, and we served it neat, just to taste the liquor in all its glorious purity. Delicious- dark chocolate aromas, hints of coffee and bourbon and a very balanced sweetness.
The importer’s website suggests that Meletti developed this product to be served warm, in the winter. This idea triggered my memories of the thick, pudding-like hot chocolate I used to drink during the snowy months as a student in Bologna.
Too bad we’re sitting in the middle of a heat wave in July… but not a bad way to end a summertime BBQ, either!