One of the things I miss about traveling these days, are the chocolate mints that I would find on my hotel room pillow at the end of the day. So, when I was challenged by Fratelli Branca to create a drink for National Chocolate Mint Day using Brancamenta, I jumped at the chance.Brancamenta is the lesser known cousin to Fernet Branca. Branca is heavily herbal, intense and is an acquired taste for most. Menta on the other hand is nearer to creme de menthe, except that it is dark brown in color as opposed to green or clear.
In trying to recreate the flavor profile of milk chocolate and mint, I chose dark creme de cacao, heavy cream and Brancamenta for the recipe. And as with the tiny treat of a small candy, I decided to make a shooter instead of a cocktail. I think it’s a winner.
Cioccolato alla Menta Shooter
0.5 oz Dark creme de cacao
0.5 oz Brancamenta
0.25 oz heavy cream
Instructions: Carefully layer each ingredient in order over the back of a bar spoon into a shot glass. When done properly, it should look like a miniature glass of Guinness stout.
