Hot Chocolate

Taste the difference of hot chocolate made with real chocolate. Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

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Real hot chocolate—that is, made with actual chocolate instead of just a powdered mix—is truly a luxurious treat. It’s like sipping on a milk chocolate bar melted into liquid form. And if you spike it with whiskey, which I highly recommend, it’ll warm your bones from the inside out.

Sometimes, I give the recipe a Mexican twist by adding a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and replacing the whiskey with tequila. You can also omit the booze to make it kid-friendly—although, consider yourself warned: the kids won’t want to go back to the easy powdered cocoa mix after tasting this!

What You’ll Need To Make Hot Chocolate

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

• Whole Milk: Provides the base for the hot chocolate, contributing to its creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, making the hot chocolate extra indulgent and smooth.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Sweetens the drink while adding a slight molasses flavor.
• Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolatey flavor, bringing a deep, intense chocolate note to the drink.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Bittersweet Chocolate: Provides chocolatey richness and contributes to the luxurious texture and flavor of the hot chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Whiskey or Bourbon: Optional for adult versions, adds a warming, boozy kick and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium saucepan, add milk and cream.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Add brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Whisk contents over high heat.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Bring to a simmer.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Remove from the heat; add the chocolate and vanilla.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Whisk until the chocolate is melted.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Ladle into mugs and top each drink with 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon (or the desired amount), if using, and whipped cream, if desired.

Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

Enjoy!

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

For the Hot Chocolate

• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch salt
• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whiskey or bourbon, optional for serving (rum or tequila may be substituted)

For the Sweetened Whipped Cream

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Hot Chocolate

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over high heat. Bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat; add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted. Ladle into mugs and top each drink with 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon, or the desired amount, and whipped cream, if desired.

For the Sweetened Whipped Cream

In a cold medium bowl, whip the cream with a whisk until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and continue whipping until cream holds its shape.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (6 servings)

Calories: 511, Fat: 31 g, Saturated fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Sugar: 36 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Sodium: 112 mg, Cholesterol: 61 mg

Nutritional Data Disclaimer

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you’re following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.

This article was originally published on OnceUponaChef.com. Follow on Instagram

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