As the days grow longer and the first blossoms appear, spring has officially arrived in New Zealand! With the season of renewal comes a new opportunity to refresh your taste buds. While our handcrafted chocolates are a perfect treat on their own, we love to celebrate the new season by exploring delightful new flavour combinations.

At Makana, we believe that great chocolate deserves a great companion. Pairing our confections with the right beverage can elevate the experience from a simple snack to a truly memorable moment. Whether you prefer something bold or beautifully subtle, the goal is to find a balance where the flavours of the chocolate and the drink enhance each other.

 

Our Favourite Spring Pairings

Here are some of our most beloved chocolate and drink pairings that are perfect for a sunny spring afternoon.

Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch & a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

There's something uniquely Kiwi about pairing our rich, buttery Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch with a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc from the world-renowned Marlborough region. The tropical fruit notes of the wine, with its hints of passionfruit and citrus, beautifully cut through the indulgent sweetness of our toffee and smooth chocolate. The contrast of the wine's acidity and the toffee's creamy crunch creates a perfect, refreshing balance that will keep you coming back for another bite.

Macadamia Biscotti & a Rich Coffee

For a luxurious and rich pairing, you can't go wrong with our Macadamia Biscotti and a freshly brewed, aromatic coffee. This traditional orange and macadamia biscotti is dipped in rich dark chocolate. The coffee's deep, slightly bitter notes perfectly complement the crunch of the biscotti, the subtle citrus flavour of the orange, and the creaminess of the macadamia nuts. This pairing is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, creating a moment of sophisticated indulgence.

Zesty Fruit Bark & a Refreshing Raspberry-Mint Spritzer

Here is a simple, non-alcoholic spritzer recipe that is a delicious match for our Zesty Fruit Bark. The sweet-tart raspberry and cool mint will cleanse your palate, allowing the vibrant flavours of the fruit and chocolate to take centre stage.

Recipe: Raspberry-Mint Spritzer

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp simple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Chilled sparkling water
• Ice
• Instructions:

1. In a glass, gently muddle the raspberries and mint leaves to release their flavours.
2. Add the simple syrup and lime juice. Stir well.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with chilled sparkling water.
4. Garnish with extra raspberries and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Lemon Truffle & a Sweet Herbal Tea

For a delicate and soothing combination, pair our Lemon Truffle with a gentle herbal tea. Our lemon truffle is a light and creamy white chocolate and cream ganache, infused with a touch of lemon oil and dipped in white chocolate. The bright, zesty flavour of the lemon and the creamy sweetness of the truffle are beautifully complemented by the subtle, floral notes of a chamomile or light jasmine tea. This pairing is like a quiet moment of pure indulgence.

Find Your Perfect Match

We invite you to explore these delightful pairings and discover a new way to enjoy your favourite Makana treats this spring. Whether you're planning a picnic or just enjoying a moment of peace at home, a little bit of chocolate and a perfect beverage can make the everyday a little more special.

Come visit us at our Kerikeri or Marlborough factory stores to sample our chocolates, or shop the full range on our website www.makana.co.nz to create your own perfect pairing today!