Freeze Jag: ACKC Cocoa Bar
Posted by Warren Rojas / Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
August is historically the steamiest, stickiest, sweatiest month of the year–brilliant move, Founding Fathers, building the nation’s capital on a swamp–in these parts. We’ve tracked down 31 frozen treats (one a day for the rest of this month) to provide you with some temporary, and often insanely delicious, relief.
The place: ACKC Cocoa Bar – 2003A Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-635-7917; www.thecocoagallery.com
The prescription: Grace Kelly shake. ACKC co-founder Eric Nelson says they’ve conjured up over a dozen signature “Diva” drink creations–homespun indulgences that can be customized as iced coffees, hot chocolates, milk shakes or frozen desserts–ranging from the fiery “Lucy” (chipotle, cinnamon and chocolate) to the exotic “Lena” (featuring paprika and nutmeg). Nelson remains partial to the “Rita” (integrating chocolate, clove, orange and caramel) but we were smitten by Grace, a sumptuous, slow sipper blending together Gifford’s 72 percent chocolate chunk ice cream, dulcet caramel sauce, stunning flashes of sea salt and fluffy whipped cream. We were able to suction up the most of the ice cream through the straw, but a treasure trove of sunken dark chocolate bits awaits those willing to sweep up with a spoon.
Those looking to embellish their frosty treats even further can avail themselves of ACKC’s free toppings bar, a dessert detailing station crowded with complimentary confections, including: chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, m&m’s, peanuts, walnuts, reese’s pieces, chocolate and rainbow jimmies, chocolate chips, toasted coconut, crushed oreos–”Can’t keep them in the store,” Nelson said of the local favorite–and mini marshmallows. Meanwhile, Nelson mapped out plans to bottle the distinctive Divas in the coming months. “The sauces will be sold in jars and can be used over ice cream or turned into hot chocolate when added to milk and heated,” he said, estimating that the pre-fab flavorings could be on the ACKC and Artfully Gifts & Chocolate shelves by early fall.
–Warren
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Keep tabs on the month long Freeze Jag trek here.
Tags: ACKC Cocoa Bar, Alexandria, Artisan Confections, Del Ray, Diva drinks, Eric Nelson, Freeze Jag, GIfford's Ice Cream, Gut Check, hot chocolate, iced coffee, Kingsbury Chocolates, milkshakes, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Rob Kingsbury, soft serve, sundaes, Warren Rojas