Melya
The Melya cocktail is a refreshing blend that harmoniously combines floral notes with a hint of citrus, creating a delightful and invigorating experience. Its vibrant presentation, often garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers, makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for warm evenings or special occasions, the Melya is a sip of elegance in a glass.
Ingredients
- Espresso
- UnsweetenedHoney
- Cocoa powder
Pairs Well With
- Aged gouda cheese
- Charcuterie boards with prosciutto
- Honey-glazed nuts
- Dark chocolate with sea salt
- Roasted figs with blue cheese
Preparation
Brew espresso. In a coffee mug, place 1 teaspoon of unsweetened powdered cocoa, then cover a teaspoon with honey and drizzle it into the cup. Stir while the coffee brews, this is the fun part. The cocoa seems to coat the honey without mixing, so you get a dusty, sticky mass that looks as though it will never mix. Then all at once, presto! It looks like dark chocolate sauce. Pour hot espresso over the honey, stirring to dissolve. Serve with cream.
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Use raw or unprocessed honey for deeper flavor complexity
serve in a chilled coupe glass to preserve aromatic qualities
stir with ice for exactly 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution without over-chilling
History & Origins
The Melya is a lesser-known yet elegant cocktail that emerged in the early 20th century as part of the classic cocktail renaissance in European bars. This honey and cognac-based aperitif represents the sophistication of pre-Prohibition bartending traditions, where natural ingredients and botanical elements were valued for both flavor and digestive properties.
Variations
Melya Royale
Topped with champagne for a celebratory twist
Modern Melya
Uses premium XO cognac and fresh lemon juice for contemporary refinement
Spiced Melya
Incorporates bitters and warm spices for deeper complexity
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