Business Details
25 Years
experience
Handmade Chocolates in Albuquerque, NM
Founded in 2001 by Chef de Cuisine Scott J. Van Rixel, Chocolate Cartel is a small-batch chocolate artisan dedicated to crafting premium confections using the finest cacao. Our unique approach transforms jail cells into tasting rooms, offering an immersive experience rooted in tradition and quality. Every product is handmade in a kitchen, not a factory, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. We prioritize authenticity, sourcing superior ingredients to create chocolates that satisfy discerning palates. With over two decades of experience, our team combines culinary expertise with a passion for innovation, earning acclaim from locals and visitors alike.We are committed to New Mexico True values, supporting local communities through sustainable practices. Our accolades reflect our dedication to excellence, including customer praise for our Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix as the best available. Transparency and craftsmanship guide every process, from creation to customer service. We operate with a clear mission: to deliver unadulterated chocolate experiences without artificial additives or mass production. This philosophy has solidified our reputation as a trusted name in artisanal chocolate for over 20 years.
Services
Handmade Chocolate Bars
Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix
Truffle Boxes
Chile-Infused Chocolates
Chocolate Tasting Experiences
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We craft all chocolates by hand in small batches for superior quality
- Our recipes use only premium cacao and natural ingredients
- We pioneered the first chocolate tasting rooms in repurposed jail cells
- Our Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix has been nationally acclaimed by customers
- We've maintained traditional chocolate-making methods since 2001
What people say
Best hot chocolate
Memorable confections
Finest cacao
Small batches
Real people
Services
Handmade Chocolate Bars
Our chocolate bars are crafted in small batches using premium cacao beans. Available in milk, dark, and specialty flavors like chile-infused varieties, each bar reflects traditional techniques. Perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment, these bars showcase our commitment to quality ingredients without artificial additives.
Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix
This authentic mix creates rich, velvety hot chocolate inspired by ancient Mayan recipes. Simply add hot water or milk for a decadent beverage. Customers consistently praise it as the best hot chocolate available, combining bold cacao flavor with subtle spice notes for a unique experience.
Chocolate Tasting Experiences
Explore our unique chocolate-making process in repurposed jail cell tasting rooms. Guided tours include samples of our signature products and educational insights about cacao origins. Available weekly, these experiences offer an immersive look at our small-batch production methods and flavor development techniques.
Truffle Boxes
Assorted truffle collections feature seasonal and classic flavors in elegant packaging. Each truffle is handcrafted with ganache centers and premium coatings. Available in 12-piece and 24-piece options, these boxes make ideal gifts or special occasion treats for chocolate connoisseurs seeking sophisticated flavor combinations.
Chile-Infused Chocolates
Our signature chile chocolate products blend heat with rich cacao flavors. Options include dark chocolate bars with red chile and almond varieties dusted with spice. This New Mexico-inspired fusion showcases local ingredients through carefully balanced recipes developed over two decades of culinary experimentation.
People
Scott J. Van Rixel
Chef de Cuisine
Founder and lead chocolatier who established Chocolate Cartel in 2001. Transformed historic jail cells into unique chocolate tasting rooms. Brings extensive culinary expertise to small-batch chocolate production while maintaining traditional techniques.
Questions
What makes your chocolates unique?
We use traditional small-batch methods in a kitchen, not factory, with premium cacao and natural ingredients. Our tasting rooms in repurposed jail cells offer a distinctive experience.
Do you offer chocolate tasting experiences?
Yes, we provide guided tastings weekly in our unique jail cell tasting rooms, showcasing our chocolate-making process and signature products.
Are your products available online?
Yes, we offer online ordering for all products with shipping available, plus in-store pickup during our operating hours.
What chocolate varieties do you make?
We create milk, dark, and specialty chocolates including chile-infused bars, Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix, truffles, and seasonal collections.
How should I store your chocolates?
Store chocolates in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigeration to prevent condensation affecting texture and flavor.
Do you use artificial ingredients?
No, we strictly use natural ingredients without artificial additives, preservatives, or flavorings in all our chocolate products.
