19/06/2026
With the E&I parents are away there is nothing to stop me doing whatever I want with the place, but I decided to use my powers for good and bring you a summer seasonal special hot chocolate flavour. Introducing: Pomegranate and Sichuan Pepper hot chocolate!
In Sichuan province the summers are wicked hot and wet; people in provincial areas will get up at 4am to do their cooking for the day so as not to have a hot fire running during the daytime. It is no coincidence that they also have some of the hottest spiciest food China has to offer - eating spicy food helps to make you sweat and thus cool you down faster. With this in mind I thought it would make the perfect summer hot chocolate flavour.
Having said that this drink will not blow your head off, don't worry. If you're unfamiliar with the magic of Sichuan peppercorn powder it tastes faintly cinnamony, slightly citrussy, and while it doesn't burn like chillies do it leaves a pleasant numbness in the mouth so by the time you finish your drink you'll feel lovely warm tingle.
Why pomegranate? This was based on the legendary Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor, who famously got Tang dynasty emperor Gaozong turnt with her pomegranate red skirt and subsequently married him (and took his place when he died).
The image is my concept sketch for what the label might look like in the future, but for now this flavour is only available for sit-in or take-away. I hope you'll give it a try because it is TASTY!
