Festive hot chocolate 4 ways

Silky, luscious hot chocolate is the perfect festive treat for the holidays. And what’s better than one type of hot chocolate? FOUR! Including the most delectable frozen version.

I know that for those of you living in the Northern Hemisphere, hot chocolate (or cocoa) is synonymous with Christmas. But to be honest, here in South Africa there’s nothing I want less than hot chocolate on a hot Summer’s day during the festive season. However, I am always so envious of your holidays with the fires roaring and snuggling under fluffy blankets with cups of hot chocolate so I lived vicariously through you and created my four ultimate hot chocolates.

How do you make your own hot chocolate?

The first being the proper classic HC. I make my mine with full cream (whole) milk but you could use any milk you want. The addition of salt might throw you off but believe me, salt makes anything chocolate taste infinitely more chocolatey so I believe it’s a non-negotiable. However, if it really isn’t for you, then please feel free to omit it. I use a combination of milk chocolate and a really good quality cocoa powder to create that depth of flavour. I don’t like very dark hot chocolates as I want some of that milky comfort too.

I created this frozen version for us folk in the Southern Hemisphere. Completely selfish but oh-so-good. This is like hot chocolate meets a milkshake on crack. It was so good, I might have gone back for another one. Don’t judge me.

The grown-up version is for those days that you just need a little something extra. The beauty is, no-one will even know yours is a little spiked. I used chocolate liqueur to amp up the chocolatiness but Kahlua, Frangelico or even good old brandy would do just as well.

This spiced version is like a chai latte and hot chocolate had a baby. And that baby is delicious you guys. So warming and comforting and just perfect for a cold day. Yum!

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Festive hot chocolate 4 ways

Silky, luscious hot chocolate is the perfect festive treat for the holidays. Here are 4 recipes to suit every palate including a delectable frozen version.

Course Christmas, Drinks, Festive, Hot chocolate

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4 -6 cups

Author Alida Ryder

Ingredients

Classic

• 4 cups milk
• 200 g milk chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons good quality unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• pinch of salt
• whipped cream for serving

Frozen

• classic hot chocolate
• vanilla ice cream
• whipped cream

Grown-up

• classic hot chocolate
• 1 to t alcohol of your choice per serving
• whipped cream for serving
• cocoa powder/chocolate shavings for serving

Spiced

• classic hot chocolate
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream for serving
• sprinkles

Instructions

• To make the classic hot chocolate, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and allow to come to a gently simmer.
• Stir to melt the chocolate and dissolve the sugar.
• Serve topped with whipped cream.
• For the frozen, combine the classic  with vanilla ice cream and blend until smooth. Pour into glassed then top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
• For the grown-up, add the alcohol of your choice to the classic. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and cocoa powder/chocolate shavings.
• For the spiced, add the spices to the classic while it is simmering. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.

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