The Best Chocolates to Pair with Mezcal (Updated Guide)
Mezcal and chocolate don't just pair well, they belong together. The smoky, earthy notes of mezcal beautifully enhance the deep flavors of chocolate. This pairing is not just about taste; it's an experience that engages all the senses.
We've been obsessed with this combination for a while. Growing up, our mom used to say we ate chocolate like we ate tacos, which is to say, constantly and without apology. So naturally, we partnered with Seattle's beloved family-owned confectioner, Fran's Chocolates, to put together an updated mezcal and chocolate pairing guide featuring new pairings worth talking about.
Whether you're hosting a tasting, looking for a thoughtful gift, or just pouring a glass on a Tuesday, this guide is for you.
The MOCEL Cupreata Expression, with its herbaceous and mineral notes, pairs deliciously with Fran’s Hazelnut Crunch Truffle, a praline of finely ground hazelnuts and milk chocolate, and their Black Sesame Bonbon.
The Black Sesame Bonbon combines nutty black sesame from Osaka, Japan, with almond paste contained in a crisp white chocolate shell—an exquisite pairing with the herbaceous notes of the Cupreata Expression.
The MOCEL Ensamble Expression’s floral profile complement an Orange Confit, a sweet and lightly floral candied orange peel covered in dark chocolate, as well Fran’s award-winning Gray Salt Caramel.
The light smokiness of the Ensamble Expression pairs perfectly with the hints of sea salt and the sweetness of caramel.
To finish the palate, end the evening with lightly Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds covered with rich dark chocolate.
How to Taste Mezcal and Chocolate Together
No rules, just an order that makes the flavors work harder.
Sip the mezcal first. Let it open up on your palate. Notice the smoke, the earth, the finish.
Take a small bite of chocolate. Let it melt. Don't rush it.
Sip the mezcal again. This is where it gets interesting.
Return to the chocolate. Notice what's changed.
You may be surprised by what appears on the second sip. Often the hidden floral, smoky, or mineral notes in the mezcal become much more noticeable. That's what makes this pairing work. Mezcal doesn't overpower chocolate, and the chocolate doesn't compete with the mezcal. Instead, each one elevates the other.
Your next favorite pairing starts with a bottle.
Explore the Mocel Collection.