Mmmm...hot chocolate. I don't know about the rest of you, but the recent cold temperatures have made me crave hot chocolate to the point where it is a nightly indulgence. There is something about a steaming cup of chocolate, decked out with whipped cream or marshmallow and those left over candy canes from the holidays that is the ultimate nightcap for these chilly nights.
I have always been one to take the easy way out when it comes to making hot chocolate and often reach for my stash of cocoa mix, but this year I've been taking Lindsey Goodwin's (About.com Guide to Coffee and Tea) advice and making "real" hot chocolate - or drinking chocolate. The difference between the two drinks is big and after just a few sips I am sold on slowing down a bit and indulging in the real deal.
To further enhance the hot chocolate experience you can liven it up a bit by spiking your favorite hot chocolate - whether it be powdered or real chocolate - with some simple spirited additions. Here are some of my favorites...
- Adult Hot Chocolate - peppermint schnapps
- Chocolate Kiss - peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur (or vodka)
- Hot Peppermint Patty - peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao, creme de menthe
- Mad Monk - peppermint schnapps, Frangelico, coffee
- Midnight Snowstorm - creme de menthe (white and green)
- Mound Bar - coconut rum
- Ski Lift - coconut rum, peach schnapps
- Spiked Three-O Mocha - amaretto, Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Vodka
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