The only thing better than visiting one chocolate store is traveling along an entire trail devoted to them. In my book, that’s the ultimate road trip. If you feel the same way, you’ll be salivating at the prospect of hitting these nine chocolatiers across New Mexico. We’ve connected most of the stops into one route. Here is the map.
1. Kakawa Chocolate House, 1050 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe
The delectable truffles at Kakawa come in some unexpected combinations. The goat cheese one is surprising: rich yet also a little tart. But Kakawa is best known for its drinking chocolate. These elixirs are based on historic European and MesoAmerican recipes. One sip and you’ll be hooked…
2. Todos Santos, 125 E Palace Avenue, Santa Fe
This tiny chocolate shop is hidden in a courtyard but it's well worth the effort to find the store. The chocolates at Todos Santos are festive and almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. The selection changes and can include treats ranging from gold-dusted pyramids to adorable mushrooms.
3. C. G. Higgins, 130 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe
or 847 Ninita Street, Santa Fe
Chile and chocolate perfectly combine in C. G. Higgins’ creations. The mango habanero and Santa Fe Fiesta are standouts. Another inventive truffle is the blue cheese. That sounds as if it shouldn’t work but it's actually one of the best truffles I’ve ever eaten. This chocolate store has two locations: one is conveniently located just off the Plaza, while the other is tucked away in a cute little house.
4. The Chocolate Smith, 851 A Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe
Goods from the Chocolate Smith are available in many locations throughout Santa Fe but, if you venture into the actual store, you’ll be welcomed by the delicious scent of treats being prepared on site. This chocolatier excels at producing chocolate bark, from green chili pistachio to toffee almond bark.
5. Joliesse Chocolates, 6855 4th Street NW
Suite C1, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
The folk at Joliesse design stunning treats that use French techniques and local ingredients. If you’ve ever dreamed about crafting your own chocolate, you’re in luck. First enjoy a chocolate tasting then learn to make truffles or chocolate bars in the Joliesse chocolate lounge.
6. Theobroma, 12611 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Albuquerque
Theobroma specializes in truffles and molded chocolate. The latter comes in the shape of adorable creatures like dolphins and sleeping puppies, but also apex predators like sharks! You can also buy molded chocolate pops then combine them into a chocolate bouquet – yummier and more original than flowers!
7. Chocolate Cartel, 315 Juan Tabo Boulevard NE Suite A, Albuquerque
Chocolate Cartel sources its cocoa beans from Venezuela. The chocolatier sells a wide variety of delicacies including dark chocolate flourless cake, chocolate covered espresso beans, and square truffles in flavors such as blueberry port and honey with pollen.
8. Chocolate Dude,
3339 Central Avenue NE
Suite E, Albuquerque
If you’ve never had one of the Chocolate Dude’s chocolate caramel apples (studded with m&ms or drizzled with dark chocolate) then you're missing out. The chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels are also delicious.
9. The Chocolate Lady,
304 Calle De Guadalupe,
Mesilla Park
The Chocolate Lady expertly unites chile with chocolate – try the chile chocolate pecan bar. The store also offers adult-themed chocolates if you’d like to be the most popular person at a bachelor or bachelorette party!
Which of these chocolate stores have you been to?
There are a few additional stops on the chocolate trail like Señor Murphy, but that store is better known for its scrumptious brittle. In fact, New Mexico has several great candy stores. Read about them here.
The chocolate trail is not the only food trail that New Mexico has to offer. If you fancy something savory, check out the Breakfast Burrito Byway.
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