As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate. But why stop there?
Elevate your cozy beverage experience with our Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe, a delightful blend of velvety cocoa, warm spices, and a splash of your favorite spirit.
This indulgent treat is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or serving at holiday gatherings, adding a touch of adult flair to a classic favorite.
How to make Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe?
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup your favorite spirit (whiskey, bourbon, or peppermint schnapps)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and add the chocolate chips. Continue to whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and your chosen spirit.
- Pour the spiked hot chocolate into mugs and, if desired, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and decadence of this Spiked Hot Chocolate, a delightful adult twist on a beloved classic. Cheers to cozy moments and indulgent sips!
Nutrition facts of Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 6 |
| Carbs | 26 |
| Fiber | 0 |
| Protein | 1 |
7 health benefits of Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe:
1. Low in fat:
Drinking alcoholic drinks in moderation is excellent for your heart, as it can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of a heart attack. Hot chocolate also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as cocoa, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation throughout the body. The fat content in spiked hot chocolate is shallow, so you’ll have no problem drinking a few mugs at a time without worrying about piling on extra pounds.
2. Boosts immunity:
Spiked hot chocolate is rich in antioxidants and is thus great for boosting your immune system. Studies suggest that drinking alcohol with hot cocoa can help stave off cold and flu viruses during the winter season, as the two ingredients act as a team to trigger inflammation-reducing chemicals in your body.
3. Improves cardiovascular health:
Hot chocolate contains catechins, an antioxidant compound found in cocoa, which can help lower your blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. The beverage can also improve circulation while reducing the risk of heart disease by preventing plaque buildup in your arteries.
4. Lowers cancer risk:
Drinking alcohol in moderation is linked to reduced cancer risk. Studies suggest that alcohol can prevent cancer cells from multiplying and spreading to other parts of the body when consumed in moderation.
5. Promotes weight loss:
Drinking a glass or two of hot chocolate daily can help you lose extra pounds as it contains fewer calories than milk, coffee, and water. It also helps to suppress appetite and provides good fats, which will keep your body fuller for longer.
6. Reduces risk of diabetes:
Studies suggest that alcohol is high in antioxidants, which help to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Drinking alcohol in moderation can help to lower your blood sugar and improve your insulin sensitivity, which is vital for preventing diabetes.
7. Prevents tooth decay:
Hot chocolate is high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluoride- all materials that strengthen and prevent tooth decay. Drinking the beverage can also increase the saliva in your mouth, which helps reduce bacterial growth on your teeth.
What should I spike my hot chocolate with?
You can spike your hot chocolate with any alcohol you enjoy, including rum, brandy, whiskey, and bourbon. However, not all drinks will work well with chocolate. For instance, white and red wine go well together when added to hot cocoa because they contain similar acidity and sugar levels. Alcohols like vodka and rum have higher sugar levels than cocoa, but they are still suitable for this drink due to their food-safe nature.
What can you dunk in hot chocolate?
You can dunk almost any dessert into your spiked hot chocolate. If you have a leftover cake that has congealed into a glumpy mess, spike it with a shot of bourbon. To make the cake moister, add it to your hot cocoa and fresh whipped cream on top of the night’s dessert. Another great option is to dip strawberries in your drink and enjoy them as a sweet dessert.
How do you amplify chocolate flavor?
Mix cocoa powder with melted chocolate chips to add some extra chocolate flavor to your drink. You can also use cocoa powder when making marshmallows and in baking for its ability to enhance the flavor of foods such as brownies, cookies, cakes, and pastries.
What do you put in chocolate to keep it from seizing up?
If your chocolate is separating, you can bring it back together by adding 3/4 cup of heavy cream. Put the two mixtures in a saucepan and stir until they are combined and smooth. Mix in other hot ingredients to add flavor, and enjoy with a spoon.
Where is the best place to keep chocolate?
Your best bet is to store chocolate in a dark, excellent location away from high temperatures. Many people choose to keep their cocoa in the fridge, where it will stay for up to 1 year without spoiling or melting.
Conclusion:
If you love chocolate and like to drink alcohol, this is the recipe for you! The hot chocolate is a warming and delicious drink perfect for cold winter evenings. It also makes for a great dessert that can double as dessert and breakfast. So, try this recipe out if you feel like spoiling yourself a little. I promise it will be an enjoyable experience.