Winter is finally here. A chill has started to nip the air, the evenings swiftly dip into darkness and there’s one thing I’m missing … the best hot chocolate of my life, steaming hot and all the way back in the Scottish Highlands.
After living in Scotland for more than a year, it was time to end on a high! While the Antipodes were still in January summer at the start of this year, my pal, Mel, and I were layering up with thermals, jackets, socks and gloves to take on the Scottish Highlands in full winter swing.
Inverness Castle. Photo / Georgia Minkhorst
Hitting the road with our wee rental car from Glasgow, I was mesmerised by the blankets of endless snow as we headed deeper into the countryside. Stone-style cottages puffed smoke from their chimneys, Highland cows cosied together as Narnia-like trees arched over us with bits of snow flittering down – true winter magic!
A rare moment
Making our way through some iconic spots like Luss, Loch Lomond, Fort William and Inverness, I half-managed to achieve one of my Scottish dreams of seeing the rare red squirrel while staying at a cabin in Leckmelm, along the eastern shore.
Highland Cows amongst the snow and sun. Photo / Georgia Minkhorst
We had left seeds and fruit out for two days on the balcony, mere metres from the neighbouring forest but alas no squirrels. It wasn’t until we were packing up on our last morning at Leckmelm that my friend yelled from the lounge, “Georgia, come quick!” Boosting it from the bedroom, I managed to see the tail of a red fuzzy squirrel before he got his goods and vanished forever! Typical, but my cup was full and about to be overflowing with chocolatey goodness.
Highland chocolatier
Arriving in a small village called Grandtully in Highland Perthshire, we had finally reached my personal flagship of the trip – Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier. As an award-winning master chocolatier, Burnett’s store boasts cabinets full of his world-famous and uniquely crafted Velvet Truffles, all perfectly made with intricate designs and colours, and carefully selected ingredients.
Iain Burnett’s awarding winning hot chocolates and famous Velvet Truffles. Photo / Georgia Minkhorst
Making our way to the Chocolate Lounge, the tough decision awaited us – what hot chocolates would we choose?
With Burnett awarded Europe’s Best Hot Chocolate Ganache at the International Chocolate Awards amongst numerous other food and drink accolades, it felt like any choice would be the right one! The hot chocolate menu offered everything from white velvet ganache hot chocolates infused with raspberryto drinks of 100% cocoa inspired by Aztec and Mayan authentic hot chocolates.
Georgia Minkhorst’s first time experiencing snowfall in the Scottish Highlands. Photo / Supplied
Keeping it super healthy, I went for Burnett’s classic hot chocolate infused with orange, while my friend went for a dark velvet hot chocolate. It was heaven in a cup as I sipped away at my new love made of smooth, rich liquid. I’ll be honest though, these hot chocolates aren’t for the weak. We had to take water breaks in amongst swigs due to the undeniable decadence of these signature beverages. Oh, how I wish to suffer from success like that again with a chocolate-smeared smile. Happy hot choccy season, everyone!