Gourmet Hot Cocoa

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.

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Creating Decadent Creaminess: The Secret to Thick Texture Hot Chocolate

The key to an amazing gourmet hot chocolate is picking top-notch ingredients. However, the real game-changer is using cornstarch. This thickens the Hot Chocolate, quietly works behind the scenes, giving the drink that smooth, velvety vibe. Additionally, using both whole milk and heavy cream adds the creamy richness that makes this cocoa truly gourmet.

Equipment Needed

• Sifter– Using a sifter on the cocoa powder helps to remove lumps.
• Whisk– A whisk is crucial for helping to achieve a smooth consistency with the Hot Cocoa.
• Cocoa Mugs– I do recommend using smaller mugs because this Hot Cocoa is luxuriously rich.
• Saucepans– Saucepans are needed for making the cocoa in addittion to melting the chocolate for rimming the mugs.
• Stainless Steel Bowls– These bowls are useful for making the cornstarch slurry and for melting the chocolate to rim the mugs.
• Liquid Measuring Cups– Liquid Measuring Cups are needed for the milk, cream and liqueur.
• Measuring Spoons– Measuring spoons are needed for the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and cornstarch.

Ingredients

• Whole Milk– Whole milk provides a rich and creamy base, making the hot chocolate taste even better.
• Heavy Cream– A small amount of heavy cream takes an already luxurious beverage and adds indulgent richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
• Granulated Sugar– Adds sweetness to balance the cocoa powder’s bitterness. Total amount can be adjusted for personal preferences. For those who enjoy their Hot Cocoa on the less sweet side, lower the amount of sugar by half.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder– Opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to infuse it with a deep and intense chocolate flavor. The cocoa powder not only adds body to the beverage but also serves as the primary source of rich, chocolatey goodness. Some popular high quality brands are Valrhona, Ghirardelli and Guittard.
• 60-70% Dark Chocolate Bar– Incorporate dark chocolate with a cocoa content between 60-70% for a sophisticated and well-rounded flavor. Melting chocolate into the mix adds complexity and depth, enhancing the overall chocolate experience. Some wonderful dark chocolate options are Lindt or Guittard. However, for over the top luxury give Callebaut or Valrhona a try.
• Salt– A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate’s natural flavors, balancing sweetness and highlighting the richness. Kosher or sea salt is preferred for its clean taste and ability to intensify the other ingredients.
• Pure Vanilla Extract– Adds a subtle warmth and compliments the chocolate beautifully.
• Cornstarch– Used as a thickening agent to achieve a luxurious thick textured hot chocolate. Eliminate if you prefer a less thick Hot Cocoa.
• Crushed Candy Canes– Rimming the mugs with melted chocolate and crushed candy canes gives the hot chocolate a festive twist.
• Liqueur (optional)– Enhance the adult appeal of your hot chocolate by adding a splash of liqueur. See “Best Liquor for Hot Chocolate” section below.

How To Rim Mugs with Chocolate and Peppermint

1. Crush candy canes.
2. Fill saucepan with 1-2 inches of water, simmer.
3. Place heatproof bowl over water, add chocolate.
4. Stir as chocolate melts.
5. Remove from heat, cool slightly.
6. Dip mug rim in chocolate, then in crushed candy canes.

How To Make Gourmet Hot Cocoa

1. Mix cornstarch with milk; set aside.
2. Sift cocoa to remove lumps.
3. Heat milk and cream until steaming; avoid boiling.
4. Lower heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa.
5. Add dark chocolate to mixture. Stir in vanilla and salt.
6. Add chopped dark chocolate bar and cook until smooth stirring consistently.
7. Gradually whisk in cornstarch slurry.
8. Heat until thickened.
9. Remove from heat; stir in liqueur to taste.

Alcoholic Hot Cocoa

For an extra festive touch, make a boozy hot chocolate by adding your favorite liqueur at the very end of preparation. This simple addition transforms your drink into a rich, adult beverage, ideal for those seeking a touch of indulgence and warmth.

Best Liquor For Hot Chocolate

Traditional Liqueur Options

• Chocolate Liqueur– Adds a rich and intense chocolate flavor to your hot chocolate, enhancing its decadence. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur has a rich flavor and 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.

Non-Traditional Liqueur Options

• 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 latte-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 (Chambord)– 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.

Non-Alcoholic Variations

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate– Add a splash of peppermint extract or crushed peppermint candies to your hot chocolate. Top it with whipped cream and garnish with a peppermint stick.
• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate– Drizzle caramel sauce into your hot chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. Finish with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle.
• Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate– Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cayenne pepper to your hot chocolate. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of chili powder.
• Orange Zest Hot Chocolate– Grate orange zest into your hot chocolate for a citrusy kick. Top with whipped cream and a twist of orange peel.
• Coconut Almond Joy Hot Chocolate– Stir in coconut milk (or coconut cream) and coconut extract to your hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, sliced almonds, and coconut flakes.
• Gingerbread Hot Chocolate– Add gingerbread syrup or a pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of gingerbread crumbs.

Tips and Tricks

Chocolate Dipped Cups

• Buy pre-crushed candy canes for ease and simplicity.
• After melting the chocolate, take off heat let it cool slightly. This will prevent the chocolate from becoming a sloppy droopy mess down the sides of the mugs.
• If throwing a party, the mugs can be prepared hours before for easier preparation.

Maintaining Temperature

• Once made, a crockpot or slow cooker is a wonderful way to keep the Hot Chocolate warm. Just make sure to heat the crockpot on high setting before adding the Cocoa. Once added, lower the heat down to either medium or low heat. Also, make sure to stir occasionally and keep the lid on to retain the heat.
• Adding the prepared Hot Cocoa to a thermos is a wonderful way to maintain its temperature for a longer period of time.

Troubleshooting

• Lumpy or Grainy Texture– The culprit of either lumpy or grainy textured Hot Cocoa is the chocolate/cocoa powder was not fully incorporated. The best way to prevent this is to whisk consistently while preparing the Hot Chocolate.
• Scalded Milk– The best way to prevent scalded milk is to use medium heat to begin with and then lower the heat down to medium-low. Because of the addittion of cornstarch, simmering towards the end of cooking will be needed. However, the consistent whisking will help prevent scalding.

Storage Instructions

With leftover Hot Chocolate, allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating. Transfer it to an airtight preferably glass container and consume within 3-4 days. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and gently reheat stirring consistently.

To freeze, place in a freezer safe container and store up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen hot chocolate in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the beverage’s texture. Reheat the thawed hot chocolate gently on the stovetop, stirring consistently to achieve a uniform texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a sugar-free version of Gourmet Hot Chocolate?

A completely sugar-free Gourmet Hot Cocoa is a bit challenging. However, replacing the sugar with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of liquid stevia and this chocolate will dramatically lower the sugar level.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Unfortunately a vegan version of this Gourmet Hot Chocolate will not have the same level of creaminess. However, to do so replace the milk and cream with your favorite vegan milk and use this chocolate to replace the dark chocolate.

Can I make this Hot Chocolate ahead of time for a party?

To make this Gourmet Hot Chocolate ahead of time, follow the instructions below omitting the liqueur. Allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a container. Cover the container and refrigerate. Before the party, gently reheat the hot chocolate on the stovetop. Stir in liqueur before serving.

What is the best way to make this in a crockpot or slow cooker?

The best way to make this Gourmet Hot Chocolate in the slow cooker is to omit the cornstarch. Add all other ingredients to the liner of the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours stirring occasionally.

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Peppermint White Russian

Mom’s Walnut Balls

Divinity Candy

Gingerbread Martini

Chocolate Rum Balls

Mom’s Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle