Make this Easter a feast for the senses by elevating your celebrations with a decadent Rooibos and chocolate tasting.

Pairing tea or herbal tisanes with chocolate is a culinary delight, which can help to unlock the more subtle flavours and aromas that you might not pick up when you enjoy tea or chocolate on its own.

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), says Rooibos and chocolate make excellent Easter companions. “Both Rooibos and chocolate are associated with comfort, indulgence and reflection, which align with the spirit of Easter. Enjoying a cup of Rooibos and chocolate together can enhance these sentiments.

“They also share many similar characteristics – from the fruity, floral and nutty aromas to the slight levels of astringency, making them an ideal match.”

In addition to Rooibos being used in chocolate bars and truffles, innovative chocolatiers from around the world are also experimenting with the tisane in chocolate drinks, which appeals to consumers looking for alternatives to traditional hot chocolate or coffee-based drinks.

Du Toit says Rooibos-based chocolate drinks vary widely, incorporating different blends, such as matcha and chai, and combining them with chocolate in various forms, such as cocoa powder, chocolate syrup or chocolate chips. “These drinks can be found in specialty cafés, tea shops and artisanal chocolate shops, catering to consumers interested in exploring new and exotic flavour combinations.”

Here’s a decadent Rooibos and Chocolate Latte recipe that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the Easter holiday.