Boozy Hot Chocolate
Mix & Match at Every Step for a Sweet Winter Warm-Up
by Torrey Douglass
Sometimes the answer to the question "Which one?" is really just, "Yes, please." There are so many yummy hot chocolate recipes available, we decided to take a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure approach to this season's Bebemos beverage: a rich and luscious hot chocolate with a grown-up twist. Take a gander through the steps below, pick which option strikes your fancy for each (sometimes more than one, as in the case of toppings), and curl up next to your favorite heat source (fireplace, wood burning stove, kind human with nice eyes, cuddly creature) to indulge in this hot-sweet-chocolatey-boozy treat.
Step 1: The Chocolate
2 tablespoons cocoa powder or 3/4 oz solid baking chocolate
The chocolate is the foundation of your drink, so whatever you choose, go for quality. You can opt for a solid, semi-sweet block of premium chocolate melted over a double boiler, or an excellent cocoa powder (both Ukiah Natural Foods Coop and Boont Berry Farm have great cocoa in bulk, and I go for the cocoa rouge if it's available). Pro tip: semi-sweet chocolate chips will do in a pinch, just skip the sweetener.
Step 2: The Milk
1 cup
I used to love the creamy richness of organic whole milk, and it's still a great option, but I find alternative milks are equally tasty and don't leave me feeling sluggish. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk are my favorites. If you're using a solid chocolate, heat over a double boiler until melted, then slowly add in the milk while whisking. If you're using powdered cocoa, place a small saucepan with the milk over medium-low heat and whisk the cocoa into it.
Step 3: The Sweetener
2 teaspoons
I prefer honey, but organic sugar works, too. You can also use monkfruit sweetener, date syrup, and other sugar alternatives. Add to the saucepan after the chocolate is well blended. A hand held milk frother works well for this, or just whisk it in.
Step 4: The Booze
1 ounce
You can double-down on the rich, creaminess theme and use Bailey’s Irish Cream (non-dairy version is available) or Kahlua. Whiskey is popular, and I've even heard of people using red wine. Pour the hot chocolate into a large mug so the liquid does not fill it more than 3/4 full, then pour in 1 oz of the alcohol of your choice before adding …
Step 5: The Toppings
Go wild.
Here’s where you can channel both your 5-year-old self and your inner Julia Child into some creative jubilation. Cap your drink with a generous “hat” of whipped cream or latte-style milk foam. Dust it with nutmeg, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even some Piment d'Ville chile. If you're really going for it, a chocolate or caramel syrup would not be out of the question. And, of course, there's always marshmallows of any size to complete your wintery elixir. Once you're done bedazzling your beverage, both your inner child and outer adult can sit back and savor your customized cocoa.
Photo by Cecilia O’Reilly courtesy of Unsplash
