Ahhh. . .there's nothing like a warm mug of hot chocolate - unless it has a little something extra in it!

There's also nothing better than homemade hot chocolate.  Here's how to make it and some recipes for warm cocktails.

The first rule is a better quality chocolate will make better hot chocolate.  You will need 1 oz. per serving.  If you use unsweetened chocolate, add 1 tablespoon of sugar per serving to the milk. 

Pour milk into mugs for measuring, then pour into a saucepan.  Heat the milk over medium heat.  If you want a creamier and thicker drink you can use cream.  This would probably be better for the warm cocktail recipes since you will be adding liquor to the mixture.

While the milk is heating, chop the chocolate into small pieces.  Add to the milk as it begins to warm.  Stir constantly.  Do not allow the milk and chocolate mixture to boil.  It will alter the texture and flavor of the milk for the worse. 

When the mixture is ready whip it with a whisk to make it foamy.  Allow the drinking chocolate to sit for at least ten minutes.  This allows its flavor and texture to develop more fully. It can be “rested” for up to two nights in the fridge before using.

Use for the hot drink recipes below and enjoy!

 

Hot Peppermint Patty

If you love Peppermint Patty Candy you’ll love this spiked hot chocolate!  Both peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe add that minty snap to this intensely chocolate warm drink.

 

•          1 oz peppermint schnapps

•          1/2 oz dark crème de cacao

•          1 tsp crème de menthe

•          hot chocolate

•          whipped cream

•          shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for garnish

 

Preparation:

1.         Pour the liqueurs into an Irish coffee glass or a mug.

2.         Fill with hot chocolate.

3.         Top with whipped cream.

4.         Garnish with shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles

Mounds Bar

One of the reasons a Mounds Bar is so popular is that the combination of coconut and chocolate is so delicious!  So simple and so good!  Especially with the homemade hot chocolate.

 

Ingredients:

•          2 oz coconut rum

•          hot chocolate

 

Mix both ingredients in a mug or Irish Coffee glass.  Top with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.

 

Midnight Snowstorm

It's like an Andes mint chocolate!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white crème de menthe
• hot chocolate
• 1/2 oz green crème de menthe
• whipped cream

Preparation:

1. Pour white crème de menthe and hot chocolate in a mug or Irish coffee glass
2. Top with whipped cream.
3. Drizzle the green crème de menthe on top.