January 21, 2025 – a day that won’t exactly live in infamy – but it was darn cold and snow covered here in New York City. Being a Southern transplant, I am still not used to the cold weather. Today there’s even snow blanketing the deep south! However, there is s-no-w place like home so I need something to help me get through a long, cold, and snowy winter season.
I’ve never been much of a coffee or tea drinker. I guess that’s why I hate mornings, the lack of caffeine makes me retreat to my bed until the glorious afternoon hours. I feel like there are many people out there like me who need something warm in the winter, but can’t stand coffee. One thing I do love is hot chocolate, well, chocolate anything really. Another thing I love is alcohol. Any alcohol really. (I’m noticing a pattern.)
Spiked Hot Chocolate: that will be my savior this winter … and it can be yours. Here is hot chocolate recipe with some fun add-ins to turn your winter doldrums into a winter wonderland. You can also enjoy it with some tomato soup to keep you warm. Of course you could always escape to an island like Puerto Rico to get really warm…you don’t even need a passport!
Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
-
3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed), plus more for serving
-
3 cups whole milk
-
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
-
3 tablespoons demerara or granulated sugar
-
Lightly sweetened whipped cream (for serving)
Directions:
- Bring ¾ cup water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder until no lumps remain, then add milk and return to a simmer. Whisk in chocolate and sugar and cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is smooth and creamy and chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.
Feeling Frisky?
Add 8 tablespoons of your favorite bourbon, amaretto, or Irish cream for a kick (we recommend Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream)
Or add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
You could also add 4 tablespoons of nutella
Maybe try add three drops of peppermint oil
Perhaps 3 tablespoons of of maraschino cherry juice
or a combination of any above! #yourewelcome
