What am I Drinking Tonight? Hot Chocolate, Because Well, it’s National Hot Chocolate Day!

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Whew, can’t believe I almost missed it! It is National Hot Chocolate Day everybody, and who hasn’t been waiting all year for this? It only comes once a year.

When the temp falls on the wrong side of the 20’s, what’s better than curling up with a steamy cup of hot chocolate? It can definitely hit the spot. Add a good book or your favorite show to binge on and you’ve got the beginning of a relaxing evening.

Over the holidays I made countless hot chocolate bombs as gifts for my family and friends and I had a few left. To celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, I exploded one of the bombs and transformed it into a delectable libation with a shot Smirnoff Vanilla vodka and a shot of Wave Whipped Cream vodka. Toasty and tasty!

Hot chocolate bombs, an alternative.

A hot chocolate bomb is a fun way to warm up on a chilly day. Just drop into a cup and add hot milk. Even a packet of powdered hot chocolate mix is fine, I’m not one to judge. While generally my hot chocolate bombs include marshmallows, sometimes crushed peppermint, and powdered hot chocolate mix (just so much easier to work with), the real stuff is the best.

Sometimes a cup of hot chocolate is a great treat for a cool evening. This recipe is easy and a just reward for the end of the day. For a lovely, thick, rich and silky cup of hot chocolate that’s worth savoring, try this recipe. I recommend at 70% cacao for the a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.

Take it over the top with a shot of vodka or better, vanilla vodka or your favorite libation. Of course, if you’re watching calories, try 2% as an alternative to whole milk. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. There’s no limit to how you can dress up a cup of hot chocolate!

Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Half and half
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 6 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • Sugar, to taste
  • ½ tsp Vanilla
  • dash Cayenne
  • dash Salt
  • 1 shot Vanilla vodka optional
  • Whipped cream or marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat half-and-half and milk until foamy bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
  • Add chopped chocolate and sugar, whisking constantly. As chocolate begins to melt, add vanilla, cayenne pepper and salt; whisking constantly until Warmed through. Optional: add shot(s) of vanilla and/or whipped cream vodka. Serve immediately.