Plans for Halloween are already in full swing with most shops now displaying their spooky wares. Firework and bonfire night events are also being advertised.
As these popular celebrations inch closer – traditionally marking the countdown to the festive season – tropical drinks and frozen cocktails will be out, with the nation looking for something rich and warming to cosy up with instead.
Lucela’s, producers of the Lucela’s Chocolate and Rum Spirit Drink, which was named the World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur at the World Drinks Awards, is expecting a surge in spiked hot chocolates, coffee-based drinks, and warming fruit cocktails.
The brand, which was founded by two friends, Phil Fairclough and Andrew Green, during the Covid-19 lockdowns, has shared some of its most popular cold weather recipes.
“Customers drink Chocolate Rum all year round but it is brilliantly suited to the cooler months. There is something about pairing chocolate and rum in autumn and winter that is so comforting and cosy,” says Phil. “A glass of rich, smooth, warming Chocolate Rum takes Bonfire Night to another level – whether it’s added to hot chocolate or matched with some other classic cold weather flavours, like coffee, apple or orange.
“It’s becoming increasingly popular at Halloween parties as well! While the children enjoy their Halloween chocolate and sweets, the adults can have their own grown-up version over ice or in a spooky cocktail. The vibrant colour of the rum and its rich, smooth, chocolatey taste means it’s perfect for a themed Halloween night.”
Spiced Apple Cocktail
1 litre Apple Juice
1 Cinnamon Stick
4 Cloves
1 Lemon peelings cut into strips
1 Apple cut into wedges
100 ml Dark Rum
Pour the apple juice into a saucepan and place over a low heat. Add the cinnamon stick, lemon peel and cloves and gently heat. Add the rum and stir, don’t allow it to boil. Carefully pour into glasses and add apple wedges to serve.
Rum Hot Chocolate
Simply make your favourite hot chocolate and add a hearty shot of chocolate rum! Top with marshmallows and cream, if you like.
Spiced Xpresso Martini
60ml Lucela’s Chocolate Rum
1 double espresso
10ml vanilla syrup
5ml cinnamon syrup
2 dashes of chocolate bitters
Serve it with 3 coffee beans to garnish or a stick with a marshmallow
Since 2017, Phil and Andrew have been making and perfecting their own unique take on rum. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, they decided to make it commercially as they struggled to find a rum that had the balance of strength, smoothness and sweetness that they were looking for.
They wanted to respond to consumer demand for hand blended rums that are more drinkable, small batch and luxurious, with providence.
“We were overwhelmed with the response. The rich, warming rum and silkiness of the chocolate worked together in harmony. It was our secret drink that we shared with friends and family. We quickly couldn’t keep up with demand from them so we decided to share it with everybody,” says Andrew.
Since the first bottle was sold in 2022, Lucela’s, which is located just outside Blackpool, has introduced several new products to the range, including an indulgent gift set containing the Lucela’s Chocolate and Rum Spirit Drink and milk chocolate shot cups handmade by a third generation local chocolatier. They also make a very grown-up chocolate rum and raisin chocolate bar.
The Chocolate and Rum Spirit Drink is available in several sizes, from 50ml to a litre. RRP for a 700ml bottle is £30.
The Lucela’s Chocolate and Rum Spirit Drink can be found online at lucelas.co.uk.
