For most of us, chocolate exerts a magnetic pull. That attraction comes into focus at Kakawa. Here, Bonnie and Tony Bennett, with a pinch of this and a spoonful of that, brew warming cocoa potions you will not forget.
The word elixir conjures images of magic potions, cauldrons, and exotic medicinal ingredients designed to warm you into a better version of yourself. After the first sip of a chocolate elixir from Kakawa Chocolate, lively energy shoots from the crown of the skull. It then moves through the frontal lobe and gently flushes your cheeks. As the flavors vibrate across the palate, you realize you’ve never tasted anything quite like it. This is exactly the point Kakawa—founded in 2007—aims to make. Its mission to “reintroduce you to chocolate” is simple.
All About Kakawa’s Blends
Kakawa uses 100% chocolate, cinnamon, herbs, flowers, nuts, spices, Pasilla de Oaxaca chili, and Madagascar vanilla, to name a few. These flavors have been with us for centuries, as have countless combinations. However, Kakawa’s blends break away from the usual, overly sweet, marshmallowed yawn factories. Instead, they craft Mesoamerican, European, and Colonial chocolate recipes with inspired flavor profiles. Beyond hot chocolate, they offer truffles, agave caramels, solid dark chocolates, alternative baked goods, and homemade ice cream.
Shown here are the ingredients of Kakawa’s Tzul elixir. This rich mix combines dark chocolate, caramelized milk chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, cloves, white peppercorn, and fennel. For a local hack, add red chile for a delicious heat.
Story by Gabe Gomez
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Tira Howard
