Gourmet Hot Cocoa

A mug of Homemade Hot Cocoa sitting in front of a Christmas decorations and candles.

This recipe creates the most rich, velvety and luxurious Gourmet Hot Cocoa easily at home. Included are customization options, allowing you to tailor the flavor, thickness, or even transform it into a delightful spiked hot cocoa {aka adult hot chocolate}. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows for a truly indulgent and cozy Christmas treat.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Boozy Hot Chocolate, Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Homemade Hot Cocoa

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 392kcal

Author Heather

Ingredients

Chocolate and Candy Cane Rimmed Mugs

1 cup crushed candy canes *see Note #1 below
3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate

Hot Chocolate

24 ounces whole milk (3 cups)
6 ounces heavy cream (3/4 cup), aka heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons granulated sugar *lower by half for a less sweet Hot Cocoa
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder *see Note #2 below
6 ounces 60-70% dark chocolate bar *chopped into small pieces, see Note #3 below
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch *see Note #4 below
9 ounces favorite liqueur (or liquor) *optional, see Note #8 below for different liqueurs

Instructions

Chocolate and Candy Cane Rimmed Mugs

Place several candy canes in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy kitchen tool.
Fill a saucepan with a small amount of water, ensuring it's about 1 to 2 inches deep. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
Select a heatproof bowl that fits snugly on top of the saucepan without touching the water. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water.
Place chocolate into bowl. Once the water in the saucepan starts to simmer (but not boil), place the heatproof bowl with the chocolate on top of the saucepan. Lower heat if water starts to boil.
Stir the chocolate gently and consistently as it begins to melt. This will ensure even melting.
Once melted, take off heat and allow to cool slightly.
Take a mug and and dip the rim into the melted chocolate, ensuring that the entire outer edge is coated. Hold the mug upside down for a moment to allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Dip the chocolate-coated rim in the crushed candy canes, gently press the mug into the crushed candy canes. See Note #5 and 6 below.

Hot Chocolate

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of milk to create a slurry. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Sift cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it steams but avoid boiling.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the milk and cream mixture.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract and the salt. Mix well.
Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. See Note #7 below.
Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot chocolate mixture. Continue to heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the hot chocolate thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the hot chocolate from heat and stir in your favorite liqueur. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Note #1- Purchasing pre-crushed candy canes simplifies this process immensely.

Note #2- Opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to infuse it with a deep and intense chocolate flavor. Some popular high quality brands are Valrhona, Ghirardelli and Guittard.

Note #3- 60-70% dark chocolate will add a sophisticated and well-rounded chocolate flavor. Some wonderful dark chocolate options are Lindt or Guittard. However, for over the top luxury give Callebaut or Valrhona a try.

Note #4- The addittion of cornstarch is what thickens the Hot Cocoa, giving it a luxurious texture.

Note #5- Letting the chocolate cool slightly before dipping the mugs will help prevent the chocolate from becoming a sloppy droopy mess down the sides of the mugs.

Note #6- If throwing a party, the mugs can be prepared hours before for easier preparation.

Note #7- To prevent lumpy or grainy Hot Cocoa or scalded milk, it is important to whisk consistently. Additionally, the heat at this stage should be no higher than medium-low.

Note #8- Best Liqueur Options for Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Liqueur- Adds a rich and intense chocolate flavor to your hot chocolate. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur has luxurious flavor and a silky texture, where as Creme de Cacao brings in an intense sweetness.
Baileys Irish Cream- Infuses a creamy and slightly sweet taste, adding a delightful flavor of Irish whiskey, chocolate, vanilla and coffee.
Peppermint Schnapps or Peppermint Vodka- Brings a refreshing and minty kick, perfect for a festive and winter-inspired hot chocolate. For Peppermint Schnapps lean towards the popular brands Rumple Minze, Dr. McGillicuddy’s, and Peppermint Schnapps. Various brands offer peppermint vodka, such as Smirnoff Peppermint Twist or Pinnacle Peppermint Bark.
Amaretto- Imparts a sweet almond flavor, giving your hot chocolate a warm and comforting character. Disaronno is well-known for its authentic amaretto flavor.
Peanut Butter Whiskey- Introduces a unique sweet and peanut buttery flavor, creating an indulgent and savory hot cocoa experience. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is an award winning amazing tasting brand.
Kahlúa- Infused with coffee flavor, Kahlúa complements the chocolatey richness of hot cocoa, creating a mocha-like hot chocolate. Popular brands like Kahlúa or Tia Maria are reliable choices.
Butterscotch Schnapps- Offers a buttery and caramelized sweetness that is wonderful for caramel lovers. Brands like DeKuyper, Baileys, or Bols are known for their quality.
Raspberry Liqueur- Brings a fruity and tart element, adding a sophisticated and vibrant flavor to your hot cocoa. There are several quality brands of raspberry liqueur available, such as Chambord and Framboise.
Banana Liqueur- Provides a tropical and fruity note, offering a unique and unexpected twist to your hot chocolate. There are different brands of banana liqueur available, such as Bols, Giffard, and DeKuyper.
Hazelnut Liqueur- Imparts a nutty and toasty flavor, enhancing the overall richness and depth of your hot cocoa. Some brand options are Frangelico, Disaronno, and DeKuyper.

Note #9- See above in post for non-alcoholic variations.

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