A cozy fireplace, some warm, snuggly blankets and a Boozy Hot Chocolate will chase the winter chill away.
The wind howled outside the old ramshackle cabin, with snow swirling around it like a furious, powdered cyclone. The original plan was to come up to the mountains, rent a rustic domicile for peace, quiet and inspiration, then finish my book. Not writing one, mind you. I have been trying to finish reading Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator for over thirty years. Now was the time, and this was the place. Or so I thought.
Within two hours of my arrival, the clouds off in the distance had begun to darken, and a low thunder started to constantly rumble. By the time I had started to order a pepperoni pie from the local pizzeria, the power had cut out, accompanied by a blind flash of lightning. Before I knew it, snow had started to batter the cabin, covering the milky windows with a thick layer of white. I was huddled in front of the stone fireplace, finally getting the kindling to catch, engulfing the logs crisscrossing each other with dancing licks of flame. Warmth crept into my bones. The orange glow from the hearth was enough for me to ponder the words of Roald Dahl, but I needed something to keep me company if you will. I needed a drink.
I provided my own provisions, thankfully, so I had a few choices of libation to craft for myself. But did I want your regular, cold cocktail? No. Even with the heat from the fireplace, I required something hot, smooth and filling. Hot chocolate was whispering in my ear… But a more grown-up mug of it, perhaps. I began to gather the groceries I had brought with me: milk, chocolate, rum, bourbon… My thinking was I would order food locally, and just bring the beverages. Now that’s all I had until the power came back and the plows fired up.
I used a few camping saucepans a friend had let me borrow, melting the chocolate and mixing my mug of spiked sweetness by the warm fire. Soon enough, I was lounging and comfortable, sipping on the richest, and strongest, boozy hot chocolate that had ever graced my lips. The adventures of young Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka helped me ride out the storm.
And the next night, when the skies were clear and the weather more agreeable, I began hoping for another storm.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Boozy Hot Chocolate?
There are a few different spirits that you can use when making yourself or your friends a boozy hot chocolate. It all depends on your mood, too. An Irish cream liqueur is always going to be a perfect choice, as its sweet taste and creamy texture is a beautiful match for the chocolate flavors present. Bourbon, with an aged smokiness carrying notes of caramel and vanilla, brings a different kind of spice to the proceedings. A dark rum will also make your drink a full-bodied and robust affair, with a spiced bite on the finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
- 2 ounces liquor of choice bourbon, rum, or cream liqueur like Baileys
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Place the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until small bubbles form at the edges.
- Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and your chosen liquor.
- Let cook for a few seconds off the heat. Pour into a heatproof mug and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings before serving.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
A nice, heavy mug with a comfortable handle is the best way to enjoy your boozy hot chocolate while it is still piping hot. Garnish with a handful of mini-marshmallows and some whipped cream, because what is a winter’s treat such as this without them?
CAN YOU STORE BOOZY HOT CHOCOLATE?
You can prep and store this drink in your fridge for up to 2 or 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container and reheat in a medium-sized saucepan before serving.
HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A BOOZY HOT CHOCOLATE?
Each mug you drink will have around 773 calories, so be mindful when going in for a second quaff. These are heavy.
CAN THIS BE MADE AS A NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?
Yes. In that case, what you’ll end up with is just hot chocolate. Still delicious, but now suitable for the whole family.
Similar Drinks To The Boozy Hot Chocolate
So you have a sweet tooth, huh? Me too. You really love chocolate as well? Hey, whaddya know? So do I! And so do all of us here at Twist & Toast. If you’d like (or you need) new cocktails that carry the rich flavor of the cocoa bean, we have some tantalizing recipes that’ll entertain you and your friends if you ever find yourself trapped in a snowbound cabin.
- The Bushwacker – Whether the weather be cold or hot, this tipple satisfies.
- Chocolate Martini – Elegant, sweet and strong, plus it’ll keep your dentist employed.
- Brandy Alexander – John Lennon called these crème de cacao and brandy cocktails “milkshakes”.
- Chocolate Cake Shot – This little shooter tastes just like a mouthful of chocolate cake.
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