Chocolate Pairings 101: What to Drink and Eat With Your Favorite Chocolate

Great chocolate is like great wine — it opens up and becomes something extraordinary when paired with the right companion. Whether you’re hosting a tasting party or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, here’s how to pair chocolate like a pro.

The Golden Rule of Pairing

Match intensity with intensity. Light, milky chocolates pair best with delicate flavors. Bold, bitter dark chocolate can stand up to stronger companions.

Milk Chocolate Pairings

Drinks:

• Fresh brewed coffee (medium roast) — the bitterness of coffee balances milk chocolate’s sweetness beautifully
• Earl Grey tea — the bergamot in Earl Grey complements the creaminess
• Light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir

Foods:

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Salted caramel
• Soft brie or mild cheddar
• Honey-roasted almonds

Dark Chocolate Pairings

Drinks:

• Espresso or dark roast coffee — a classic for a reason
• Full-bodied red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Zinfandel
• Whiskey or bourbon — the vanilla and oak notes are magical with dark chocolate
• Stout beer — especially chocolate or coffee stouts

Foods:

• Sea salt flakes (on top of the chocolate itself)
• Dried cherries or figs
• Sharp aged cheddar
• Candied orange peel

Extra Dark & Spiced Chocolate Pairings

For bold varieties like our Extra Dark Mayan Spice:

• Mezcal or smoky tequila
• Chili-spiced nuts
• Strong aged cheeses like manchego
• Dark cherry jam

Hosting a Chocolate Tasting

If you want to turn this into an experience:

1. Start mild, finish bold — begin with milk chocolate and work toward extra dark
2. Cleanse your palate between tastings with plain water or a plain cracker
3. Take your time — let each piece melt slowly on your tongue before reaching for the next
4. Take notes — even simple ones (“tastes like dried fruit”) help you remember what you loved

The Best Pairing of All

Honestly? Good chocolate paired with good company. Everything else is just details.

Shop our full range of single-origin and flavored chocolates at Sweet on Vermont and start building your perfect tasting board today.