Boozy Hot Cocoa
You know that infamous hot cocoa scene from The Polar Express? This is definitely the closest thing you’re going to get to that but this might actually be better because, well… It’s boozy. If you’re really up for the challenge to bring your magical hot cocoa dreams to life, try your hand at making homemade marshmallows!
Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk (or any nut/plant milk!)
2 tbsp cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
6 oz chocolate pieces (60% cocoa)
2 oz Irish cream
1½ oz amaretto
4 oz bourbon
garnish: homemade whipped cream, sifted cocoa powder, homemade marshmallows
Directions:
Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt into a medium sauce pot and bring heat to medium low. Be mindful not to boil. If you have a liquid thermometer handy, ensure the temperature of the milk stays between 140F-160F.
Once hot, add chocolate pieces and whisk until chocolate is completely melted and incorporated.
Remove from heat and add Irish cream, amaretto, and bourbon. Serve in mugs and top with homemade whipped cream, sifted cocoa powder, and torched marshmallows.
HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Place a metal bowl of a standing mixer or a large mixing bowl (preferably metal) into the freezer for about 20 minutes.
Once chilled, add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using the whisk attachment, beat ingredients on high until stiff peaks form.
This will yield about 2 cups of whipped cream. It can be stored in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to two days.