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Winter is the perfect time to cosy up with blankets and enjoy some delicious comfort food. It's the perfect moment to savour a rich and velvety mug of the most beloved beverage, hot chocolate. Simple to make, it not only keeps you warm and nourished but also tastes delicious. Whether it's a festive holiday or a simple desire for something sweet and comforting, this drink is sure to please all.
This delicious creation is crafted with milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and chocolate shavings as the main ingredients. It is then topped with a variety of items including marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy cane, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Whipped cream plays a crucial role in this winter beverage, offering an indulgent and creamy texture.
So, if you also want to whisk a warm cup of hot chocolate for yourself, here are 6 variations to try
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Even on the coldest day of the season, this unique take on hot chocolate made with cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel, and Kahlua will keep you toasty. The drink is perfect for those cosy winter gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1-ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
Mini marshmallows, for serving
Salted caramel, for serving
Chocolate syrup, for serving
Method
In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in Kahlúa. Serve immediately with a garnishing of mini marshmallows, salted caramel and chocolate syrup.
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
If you adore sweets, you're going to love this double dose of taste. Simple to make, this solid peanut butter and chocolate treat is delicious. On cold days, nothing beats a mug of peanut butter hot chocolate for its velvety smoothness.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Whipped cream, for topping
Chocolate sauce, for topping
Peanut butter sauce, for topping
Method
Add milk, chocolate morsels, and peanut butter to a blender and process on high for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is hot and frothy.
Pour hot chocolate into 2 mugs. Top with the mentioned ingredients and enjoy.
Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate
Adding spicy orange and fragrant spices to rich cocoa makes Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate, a delicious treat that will tantalise your taste buds and make you feel like it's the festive season. This rich drink is sure to become a comforting choice for everyone. It's perfect for cosy nights by the fireplace or as a treat at winter parties.
Ingredients
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Orange peel curls, for garnish (optional)
Method:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
Once the milk is simmering, gradually whisk in the cocoa powder mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the hot chocolate is smooth and thickened to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the spiced orange hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Garnish with orange peel curls for an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavour.
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate on a chilly day.
Classic Hot Chocolate
The classic recipe for hot chocolate calls for common household items like milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. To enhance its flavour and texture, it is garnished with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Ingredients
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate
½ tsp vanilla extract
Method
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa. Add milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla and whisk well.
Place over medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring continuously. Set aside to cool to your desired temperature and serve with your favourite toppings.
White Hot Chocolate
Why go for the traditional dark brown drink when you can create a gorgeous white-hot chocolate for your loved ones. Made with finely chopped white chocolate and pink gel food colouring, it is so tempting that no one can resist taking a sip.
Ingredients
4 can. whole milk
12 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
Pink gel food colouring
Method
Combine milk, chocolate, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking from time to time, until mixture is hot and smooth for about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add a few drops of food coloring to frosting and stir twice to create a swirl pattern then carefully transfer to a piping bag. Pipe on top of hot chocolate in mugs.
Spiked Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
If you're looking to spice up your usual hot chocolate, try making some gingerbread syrup at home. Its unusual flavour and comforting aroma will be amplified when paired with a mug of hot chocolate.
Ingredients
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
Honey or maple syrup to taste
Toppings:
Whipped coconut cream
Cacao beans
Cocoa Powder or dark chocolate for dusting
Method
In a saucepan, heat the milk with vanilla extract. Add cocoa powder, molasses, and spices.
Cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time until cocoa is dissolved completely. Cook for a few minutes, just until the mixture is steaming and is warmed thoroughly.
Add maple syrup or honey. Remove from heat and fill into mugs. Top with whipped coconut cream, and dust it with cocoa powder, dark chocolate and serve.
