What Is Australian Native Drinking Chocolate?
Australian native drinking chocolate is premium cocoa blended with native Australian botanicals. Ours combines rich West African cacao with three distinct ingredients: strawberry gum, muntrie, and pepperberry.
The result is a vibrant, aromatic cup with layers of native fruit and gentle spice that give traditional drinking chocolate a distinctly Australian twist. It is completely vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.
Our Australian Native Hot Chocolate brings these incredible flavours together in one cup. Here is what is in the blend, what each botanical contributes, and how to enjoy it hot or iced during an Australian summer.
The Three Native Botanicals Explained
| Botanical | What It Tastes Like | What It Brings to the Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Gum | Sweet, berry-like aromas with subtle fruity and herbal notes | Adds a soft fruitiness that perfectly rounds out the cacao |
| Muntrie | Sweet, spiced-apple notes with a subtle berry-like tartness | Adds fruity complexity and a gentle, bright tang |
| Pepperberry | Warm and peppery, with a unique, lingering tingle | Gives gentle heat and depth, like a premium spice note in dark chocolate |
Why Native Botanicals and Chocolate Work Together
Dark chocolate loves contrast. Fruit and spice are classic chocolate partners, think orange and chocolate, or chilli and chocolate.
Australian native botanicals bring those same classic contrasts, but with their own distinctive, local flavours. Strawberry gum adds aromatic fruit notes, muntrie brings a spiced apple character, and pepperberry introduces a gentle warmth. Together, they complement the natural richness of West African cacao without overpowering it. A premium drinking chocolate is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to discover the unique profiles of Australian native ingredients.
How to Prepare Australian Native Drinking Chocolate
- Mix 20g (about two tablespoons) of Australian Native Drinking Chocolate with a small amount of hot milk in a mug until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually pour in the remaining milk (approximately 180ml in total).
- Heat until steaming using a steam wand, milk frother, or small saucepan. Plant-based options like oat or almond milk work beautifully with this blend.
- Dissolve 20g of the drinking chocolate blend into 30ml of boiling water or hot milk to create a rich, smooth syrup.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 150ml of cold milk (such as chilled almond or macadamia milk) over the ice.
- Top with your native chocolate syrup and stir well for a vibrant, spiced iced chocolate perfect for an Australian summer afternoon.
A Note on Australian Native Ingredients
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used native Australian plants as food and for traditional purposes for thousands of years. Their knowledge of these ingredients, their uses and their connection to Country is an important part of Australia's food heritage.
Today, ingredients such as strawberry gum, muntrie and pepperberry are finding their way into contemporary Australian food and drinks, introducing more people to their distinctive flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Australian Native Drinking Chocolate taste like eucalyptus?
Not in the way you might expect. Although strawberry gum comes from a eucalyptus species, its flavour is predominantly fruity and aromatic, with subtle herbal notes rather than a strong eucalyptus taste.
Is it spicy?
Only gently. Pepperberry adds a subtle warmth and lingering spice rather than the intense heat of chilli.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes. Nomad Australian Native Hot Chocolate is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. Enjoy it with your favourite plant-based milk. Always check the packaging for allergen information.
Does it make a good Australian gift?
Absolutely. With its combination of native Australian botanicals and rich chocolate, it's a thoughtful gift for visitors, overseas friends or anyone who enjoys discovering distinctive Australian flavours.
