It just wouldn’t be the holidays without hot chocolate. I’ve taken my own personal hot chocolate recipe (complete with secret ingredient) and made it even more delicious by adding peppermint schnapps. You can easily double or triple this recipe, or you could make a large batch and keep it warm in a crock pot for your holiday party. In this case don’t add the alcohol, instead, leave the bottle so your guests can add their own. You could also swap out the schnaps for another flavored liquor (Kahlua, anyone?).
Be warned, this hot chocolate is VERY rich and chocolaty. You can decrease the amount of cocoa to make it less intense if you like, but just know that we can’t be friends anymore.
Peppermint Schnaps Hot Chocolate
1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder (I use extra dark)
1 cup mini marshmallows (the secret ingredient)
2 oz peppermint schnapps
In a saucepan combine the first 4 ingredients and whisk while heating. You’ll need to keep whisking while the liquid heats to help emulsify the chocolate (science!). Once it begins to steam turn down the heat, add the marshmallows and whisk until they dissolve. The hot chocolate should now be rich and frothy. Remove from the heat, add the schnapps, and pour in to mugs. You can garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or with easy DIY shaped Cool Whip marshmallows (directions below).
Tip: Slow and steady wins the race on this one. Don’t be tempted to heat too quickly or you could end up with burnt chocolate.
Easy Cool Whip Marshmallow Shapes
1/2 tub cool whip
1/4 cup water
Mix the cool whip and water and then pour the mixture into a small wax paper lined pan. (The size of your pan will determine the thickness of your final product.) Freeze until solid and then use cookie cutters to make your shapes. Be warned, these start to melt pretty quickly, so store them in the freezer until right before use.
~ Laurie
Check back soon for another holiday themed cocktail recipe. Do you have a favorite holiday drink? Leave us a comment and let us know!
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