peppermint hot chocolate
Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best.
As a food service worker, I have plenty of conversations with folks every day, some of whom I’ve gotten to know very well over multiple years. Thus, I hear various levels of excitement for the holidays…and, on the flipside, dread and consternation.
I certainly understand the stresses that come with the season, particularly as I get older. A friend of mine just today alluded to the responsibilities tacked on her by family to prep for Christmas (probably among other things, too) and I know that narrative is not exclusive to her life. A whole ass population feels isolated and trapped by the holidays.
And honestly? Many of us just need a hug and a moment to ourselves.
I wish I could provide said hug for all of you who need it, but since I can’t, the best I’m able to do is a hug in a mug: Peppermint Hot Chocolate. A few minutes away from the chaos, with a warm and toasty drink in hand, might boost the spirit enough to inspire you to trudge through whatever sludge your boots are caught in. Simple ingredients and an abundance of cozy.
I also sit in the camp of needing to take a moment to myself. Perhaps this recipe will wriggle its way into my palms, too. We can pretend we’re counseling quietly around a fire with our beverages at our fists and our souls, for a moment wrapped in contentment. Sounds nice, right?
Minty Fresh
This drink is as easy as can be, so if you need a quick fix of festive chocolatey goodness, I promise it will be ready in no time.
First, choose your milks. I opt for the richest of the rich – whole and heavy cream – since I desire a very indulgent treat when I make this. Any dairy or nondairy work well, but I do recommend using a fattier milk like the heavy cream or canned coconut to achieve the intense flavor we’re going for here. But again, this is customizable, so do as you see fit!
Heat the milk in a saucepan until it begins to steam. Boiling milk means scorched milk, which is not tasty and not cute, so keep an eye on the temperature. Once those tendrils begin to waft off, shut off your burner and stir in some dark chocolate chunks. I like a 70% or more cocoa, but you can use a sweeter variety or an even darker one.
Cover the pan and melt the chocolate for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to ensure the chocolate fully incorporates. After that time elapses, move the pan off the stove and whisk in vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Be VERY CAREFUL WITH THE PEPPERMINT. Too much and you’ll have a drink that tastes like a toothpaste factory just exploded into your mug.
Top your serving however you’d like! I like to make a homemade, lightly sweetened whipped cream with heavy cream, a little vanilla, and a smidge of powdered sugar, then finish with chocolate curls or shavings. Marshmallows are dope, too, or chocolate sauce.
If you’re in the mood, too, a hit of Kahlua or creme de cacao would be a splendid adult twist.
Wherever your mind is at this year, hang in there! I hope you can find a little peace, even just for a couple minutes, within these next couple weeks.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Some like it hot:
Baked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Donuts
Molten Tahini Coconut Hot Chocolate
peppermint hot chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk, or milk of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- whipped cream, marshmallows, and/or chocolate curls, to top
Instructions
- Add the milk to a medium saucepan. Heat until the milk is steaming but do not let it boil – this means your milk is scorced.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate and turn off the heat. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to incorporate the chocolate. After 5 minutes, move the pan off the burner and whisk in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Divide the cocoa into two large mugs or four smaller ones. Finish with ALL THE WHIPPED CREAM and chocolate curls, and even marshmallows if you're into that!
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