Hot Chocolate for Grownups
I grew up on the powdered chocolate drink flavoring, dissolved in hot milk and served up with marshmallows. That’s still a pretty tasty way to give kids a good hot cocoa experience and happy hot cocoa memories.
But, can we talk about adult-pleasing hot chocolate? Deeply chocolate, not as sweet, but rich and satisfying. Let’s be a bit more particular and say that there is a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. Hot cocoa basically does without the fat that supports those swoon-worthy chocolate bars. Hot chocolate can be thick and dessert like on its own, or it can dilute with milk and supplant that old hot cocoa standby that is your childhood memory.
I start with cocoa because it contributes a flavor layer to hot chocolate that rounds out the character of that cup of chocolate goodness. Cocoa works best in this drink when it can bloom in very hot water before other flavors are added. Dark chocolate supports this robust hot chocolate that is a winner for adult gatherings – or for one or two snuggling under a blanket.
If you need a bit more winter cheer, you can always add the liqueur of your choice once the chocolate is mixed and heated through.
Hot chocolate that can be thick and dessert-like on its own, or dilute with milk and supplant that old hot cocoa standby that is your childhood memory.
- 1/4 cup Cocoa
- 1/2 cup Raw Sugar (or white)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped Dark Chocolate Bar)
- 1/4 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Instant Coffee (optional)
- 4 cup milk (or milk substitute)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
In a large saucepan, stir together the cocoa and sugar. Make sure to break up any chunks of cocoa powder to get a smooth mixture.
Stir in the water and place the saucepan over medium high heat, stirring constantly.
Bring the cocoa to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute then turn heat down to medium.
Add all chocolate chips and stir until the chocolate chips have melted completely into the cocoa mixture.
Add salt, then slowly pour in one cup of the milk. Heat and stir until the chocolate chips have incorporated smoothly. If using instant coffee, add it now and stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Pour in the rest of the milk and heat to just steaming (about 150°F on your thermometer). This is just before the milk becomes hot enough to form a skin.
Stir in Vanilla Extract, and any liqueur if desired.
Pour slowly into mugs and top with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon or any other topping or flavor.