Dark Temptation

“Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you’re gonna get.”

- Forest Gump

Recipe

1 ½ oz Loft & Bear Vodka

1 ½ oz Espresso

½ oz Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur

½ oz Kaluha

¼ oz Grand Marnier

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker well with ice. Strain into a martini glass. The top of the cocktail will become frothy within seconds. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Inspiration

I was inspired by two of my great loves- chocolate and coffee. After a special meal, I am often faced with choices to make. “Do I have fruit, the healthy choice, espresso for a little perk up, or chocolate to sweeten the palate?” Why not all of it? After all, sometimes there is nothing more perfect for the soul than to simply indulge. Chocolate (Theobroma Cacao) was cultivated thousands year ago by the Mayan and Aztec people, and was originally grown in Amazon and South America. It is symbolic of love and passion. The choices are limitless. Some like it hot, melted, with nuts, smooth or smothered over ice cream or cake. As a mixologist, I chose to put it in a luxurious martini. Dark chocolate is said to

have anti-oxidant properties. It is also an aphrodisiac. Therefore it makes for a sexy interlude on date night.

Coffee goes back to the tenth century with a number of legends and tales surrounding its origins and use. Today the modern average professional consumes it daily to function in our high-energy lifestyles.

Creation

For the Dark Temptation I begin with Loft & Bear Vodka, my favorite premium artisanal vodka of choice these days distilled right here in Downtown Los Angeles by the young, hip and energetic Paul Ryan. (www.loftandbear.com ) The smooth creamy finish of the spirit

coupled with Kaluha and Godiva Dark Chocolate with just a hint of oranges from the Grand Marnier takes a shot of espresso to a whole other lever- PURE BLISS!

The rich concoction of the Dark Temptation is guaranteed to give you both a buzz and a boost of joy. Indulge, savor and celebrate because every now and then, it’s okay to be naughty…

With the Loft & Bear team at a distillary tour.