It's Spirits Month! Get in on all the booze-filled fun.
Booze and chocolate. Two of our great loves in life—and they go so well together in a steamy mug of boozy hot cocoa. We like our cocoa rich and a little bit spicy, so we start with 72 percent bittersweet chocolate and add cinnamon, chile de árbol and cayenne pepper.
Grand Marnier, an orange-infused French cognac, adds just a hint of bittersweet orange flavor to round out the intensity of the chocolate. Topped with fresh whipped cream and chile powder, this is the cocktail to keep you warm all winter long.
Cocktail of the Week: Spiced Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate
Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 arbol chile pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
½ teaspoon whole allspice berries
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 ounce Grand Marnier
Fresh whipped cream, to top
Chile powder, to top
Directions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, chocolate, chile pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, peppercorns, allspice and cayenne. Simmer, whisking until the chocolate has melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to infuse for 15 minutes, then return to medium heat and warm until hot.
2. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and add the Grand Marnier. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of chile powder and serve.
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