Creamy Spiced Hot Chocolate
Tis’ the season for warm, cozy nights around the fire, sipping a delicious cup of hot cocoa and enjoying all the magic that the holiday season has to offer. This creamy spiced hot chocolate is the perfect companion for sitting around the campfire.
If you’re a chocolate lover, this recipe is for you! Add your favorite booze to make an adult version or keep it classic and enjoy the sweet, creamy decadence of a homemade hot chocolate. It’s surprisingly easy and uses just a few ingredients.
This recipe was created for our friends at Campspot. If you’re looking for camping destination guides, tips, and insider knowledge, check them out.
Why make hot chocolate from scratch?
There are numerous hot chocolate mixes out there that just need water or milk added, which can be super easy and convenient, but if you have the time to try some homemade hot cocoa, it’s definitely a must! Making hot chocolate from scratch means you can customize it to your preferences by adjusting the sweetness level, making it dairy-free, adding fun spices, and avoiding the addition of any extra preservatives or additives.
Ingredients
· Milk – choose your creamy base of choice. If you’re wanting a dairy-free version, opt for coconut, soy, or oat milk. I used half 2% cow’s milk and half coconut milk, just to add some extra creaminess from the coconut milk.
· Cocoa Powder & Chocolate – this is hot chocolate, after all. Use high quality cocoa powder for the best, deep, chocolatey flavor. You can also add melted chocolate to add even more richness, but keep in mind this thickens up the hot chocolate, so you may need to adjust with more milk.
· Sugar – sweeten up with the sugar of your choice. Granulated sugar works just fine, but if you prefer honey or agave, that works too! Add more or less sugar based on your sweetness preference.
· Salt – just a pinch to enhance the sweetness flavor.
· Extras – now to be creative! Add fun flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, or peppermint. Mix in some hot coffee to create a mocha. Create an adult version by including your favorite alcohol (I find bourbon, rum, and Baileys work great). Finally, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles of your favorite chocolate bar/cookie (because why not make it that much more decadent).
What booze to add
Whatever your preference is (or what you have on hand). Some may be a little more adventurous and add wine or beer, but if you want to play it a little more on the safe side, stick with alcohols like spiced rum, whiskey/bourbon, chocolate liquors, or Baileys.
Can I store the leftovers?
You bet! Store leftovers in a sealed container or glass jar in the fridge or cooler for 3-5 days. Reheat on a low-medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning on the bottom.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to warm you up this winter season, look no further. Enjoy this rich, chocolatey drink with your friends or family (or even by yourself!).
Creamy Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups milk of choice (I used half cow’s milk, half coconut milk)
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp granulated sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or squares (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2-3 oz alcohol of choice (bourbon, Baileys, rum, etc.) (omit for kid-friendly version)
Instructions
- On a stove set to medium heat, start by adding milk to a medium-sized pot. Allow to warm, stirring occasionally to prevent from burning on the bottom.
- Add cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and spices, and whisk until combined. If adding additional chocolate chips, wait until the hot chocolate is steaming (but not boiling) before adding (otherwise the chocolate may burn on the bottom before completely melting). Stir well until completely melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed cookies or graham crackers, or whatever your heart desires! Enjoy hot.
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