This holiday season, the Savor Brands team created a rich cup of hot chocolate using Manoa Chocolate’s Kona single origin bar. From opening the custom packaging to stirring the final cup, this simple process highlights the flavor and craftsmanship behind Hawaiian-grown cacao.

From Kona Chocolate Bar to a Cozy Holiday Drink

The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy something warm, and share small moments with the people around you. At Savor Brands, we celebrated the season by doing just that. Our team made a special cup of hot chocolate using Manoa Chocolate’s Kona single origin dark chocolate bar, wrapped in custom packaging by Savor Brands. The result was a rich, comforting drink with deep flavor and a smooth finish. Simple ingredients, careful steps, and high-quality chocolate made all the difference.

A Closer Look at the Kona Chocolate Bar

The Kona bar from Manoa Chocolate is made with Hawaiian-grown cacao from Hawaii Island. This 70 percent dark chocolate bar is known for its natural floral and nutty notes, which come through clearly when melted into a warm drink. Because it is single origin chocolate, the flavor reflects where the cacao is grown. That sense of place is what makes the bar stand out, whether it’s eaten on its own or used in a recipe like hot chocolate.

Opening the Packaging Printed by Savor Brands

Before anything else, the process begins with opening the packaging. The bar is wrapped in beautifully designed packaging created by Savor Brands, highlighting both the story and quality of the chocolate inside. This moment sets the tone for the whole experience. It is not rushed. It is about appreciation, craftsmanship, and enjoying something made with care.

How We Made the Hot Chocolate

The recipe itself is simple, which allows the chocolate to shine. Everything is done step by step, with attention to texture, color, and flavor. Ingredients Used:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Manoa Chocolate Kona dark chocolate bar
Step-by-Step Process:
  • Start by opening the chocolate bar and breaking it into pieces
  • Add milk to a pot and begin heating it on the stove
  • Add a small amount of vanilla and a pinch of salt
  • Stir gently with a spoon as the milk warms
  • Add the chocolate pieces while continuing to heat
  • Keep stirring until the chocolate melts fully
  • Watch for the desired color and thickness
  • Use a matcha whisk to smooth out any clumps
  • Pour into a mug, serve, and enjoy
The key is patience. Stirring consistently helps the chocolate blend evenly and creates a smooth, rich texture.

Flavor Notes and Final Result

Once finished, the hot chocolate had a deep, full-bodied taste. The floral and nutty notes from the Kona chocolate came through clearly, making the drink feel special without being complicated. Long story short, it was delicious. This drink felt like a perfect match for the holiday season. Warm, comforting, and made with intention.

A Seasonal Moment Worth Sharing

This video was created as a fun way to celebrate the holidays with our team and highlight the quality of Manoa Chocolate. As a customer of Savor Brands, their Kona bar and packaging came together in a way that felt natural, inviting, and true to the product. Sometimes, the best seasonal moments are the simplest ones. A pot on the stove, good chocolate, and time to enjoy the process.

A Warm Cup to End the Season

There is something special about turning a thoughtfully made chocolate bar into a drink you can hold in your hands. This Kona hot chocolate reminded us why quality ingredients matter and why taking a moment to enjoy them is always worth it. As the season continues, we’ll be thinking about this cup and asking the same question we shared in the video. What’s your favorite drink this time of year?

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