Liquid Gold: The Sweet, Smooth Magic of Cocoa and Vanilla at Vanilla Paradise Nevis
At Vanilla Paradise Nevis, our sustainable vanilla farm, we’re all about showing and tasting, not just telling! Gina, our passionate founder, believes that the best way to showcase the value of vanilla is to let visitors experience it firsthand—through their senses. And what better way to do that than with a delicious treat that highlights the magic of this precious spice?
One of our signature delights is "Liquid Gold"— a velvety cocoa drink infused with vanilla. It’s the perfect example of how vanilla transforms an indulgent treat into something luscious and extraordinary. But we don’t just stop at giving visitors a taste of it; we invite them on a sensory journey that demonstrates the incredible contrast vanilla brings to a cocoa drink.
From Bitter to Beautiful: Cocoa and Honey
Before we introduce the rich and aromatic flavour of vanilla, we start with the basics—plain cocoa. As anyone who’s ever tried pure cocoa knows, it can be incredibly bitter on its own. To make it more appealing, we add a touch of local honey, creating a drink that softens the sharp edges of the cocoa’s bitterness.
When visitors sip the drink, their first reaction is often one of surprise—they don’t expect such a rich flavour to come from a cup of cocoa. The honey works wonders, but it’s still missing something. That’s when we add the magic ingredient: vanilla.
The Vanilla Transformation: A Sensory Revelation
Now comes the part that always leaves our guests in awe. We introduce vanilla to the mix, and suddenly, the drink transforms from something sweet and comforting into something memorable. The vanilla, with its rich, warm, and aromatic notes, elevates the cocoa, blending with the honey and deepening the complexity of the drink. The contrast between the two stages—the initial bitterness of plain cocoa and the smooth, rounded flavour after the vanilla is added—is a revelation for many. It’s the perfect example of how vanilla—so often underestimated—can completely transform something simple into something extraordinary.
The Legacy of Vanilla: From the Aztecs to Nevis
We did not invent Liquid Gold. As visitors sip their drink, Gina shares the fascinating history of cocoa and vanilla—a story that stretches back to the Aztec Empire, back to the 14th century.
The Aztecs held a sacred reverence for both cocoa and vanilla, considering them not only essential to their daily lives but also powerful, divine gifts. Their xocolatl drink, made from ground cocoa beans, water, chili peppers, and sweetened with honey or agave, was further enhanced by the addition of vanilla.
This sacred drink was a luxury reserved for warriors, nobles, and royalty. Believed to energise the body and offer spiritual insight, it played a key role in religious rituals. Vanilla’s aroma balanced cocoa’s bitterness, elevating the beverage to a symbol of status and divine connection.
Why Liquid Gold is So Special
At Vanilla Paradise, we’re proud to continue the tradition of the ancient Aztecs and Liquid Gold is more than just a drink. It’s also an experience. When you sip that sweet, smooth cocoa, now infused with vanilla, you’re tasting not only the rich flavours of the Caribbean but also the dedication and care that has gone into cultivating one of the world’s most precious spices.
Golden Vessels for a Divine Drink
As befits a drink of the gods, we’ve found cups that do it justice—beautiful golden terracotta vessels that we proudly show to our visitors. While they may not date back to Aztec times, they carry their own story: a connection to Nevis, having come from the home of a local collector on the island. A perfect blend of heritage and beauty to honour Liquid Gold.
Our Golden Vessels
A Treat for the Senses
Visiting Vanilla Paradise Nevis is all about the experience. From massaging ripe vanilla beans, or and pollinating a vanilla orchid (when they are in flower), sipping Liquid Gold and wandering through our shade houses with over 2,000 thriving vanilla vines, every moment offers a connection to the land and its prized spice.
We hope our visitors leave a sense of discovery, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of vanilla.
Next time you’re in Nevis, visit us for a cup of Liquid Gold and experience the same flavours once reserved for Aztec royalty.
A Note for the Season
As we celebrate the wonder of Liquid Gold and the Aztec legacy that inspired it, we dedicate this story—at this meaningful time of year—to Easter and to all who celebrate it!
