There’s something about a steaming cup of cocoa that just screams winter. 

So, when the cooler weather arrives in town, we turn to our local purveyor of fine drinking cocoa for a guaranteed good ol’ cup of hot chocolate – Grounded Pleasures. 

Yes, we might be a little biased of this locally-made cocoa but trust us, once you get the taste for this powdered goodness, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many. 

Alchemist Craig McKenzie’s cocoa is fairly traded and minimally processed (which means very high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants).

So rather than a guilty pleasure, these ones are actually good for you. It’s also vegan.

Just some of the Ballarat cafes where you’ll find Grounded Pleasures hot chocolate:  

• Drive 
• Eclectic Tastes 
• Fika Coffee Brewers 
• Higher Society 
• Hydrant Food Hall 
• Johnny Alloo 
• Lola 
• Orchard Cafe Lucas
• Webster’s Market and Cafe 
• 1816 Bakehouse 

And if you head to The Turret Café, you’ll be able to try the full Grounded Pleasures range, including hazelnut, chilli, mint, orange and white hot chocolate. 

Looking to take some home with you? Browse online for your favourite blend or pick up a box at local stockists Wilson’s Fruit and Vegetables and Campana’s. 

New to the mix is Grounded Pleasure’s pink salt caramel drinking chocolate, which we can confirm is available at Wilson’s Fruit and Vegetables. 

This cocoa can also be used for baking, so while you’re online why not seek out some inspiration from the Grounded Pleasures recipe collection.

You’ll find recipes for double chocolate cookies, pumpkin and chocolate chunk muffins, S’mores and choc cinnamon loaf.