The ultimate cozy companion for chilly winter nights, this Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip is a decadent treat that brings joy to the senses. Infused with the warming spice of cinnamon and a spirited kick, this indulgent beverage is a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, perfect for intimate gatherings or solo indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip
Indulge in the lush, velvety texture of this homemade hot chocolate, made with real chocolate and a generous splash of your favorite spirit. The zesty cinnamon whipped cream adds a delightful contrast, elevating the cozy, comforting flavors to new heights. This recipe is a true delight for the senses, with each sip promising a cozy, satisfying experience that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip, including high-quality chocolate, milk, cream, cinnamon, and your choice of liquor. These simple yet flavorful components come together to create a truly epic and indulgent treat.
- 4 oz (120 g) – Chopped high-quality dark or milk chocolate
- 2 cups (480 ml) – Whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (10 g) – Ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Brandy, rum, or whiskey (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate: Try swapping in different types of chocolate, such as milk, white, or a blend, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Liquor: Experiment with alternative spirits like rum, whiskey, or coffee liqueur to put your own spin on this cozy treat.
How to Make Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip
Bring the flavors of the season together with this easy-to-follow recipe for Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by melting the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, taking care not to overheat it. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the cream with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon until soft peaks form.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Bring the milk to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the melted chocolate until the mixture is smooth and velvety. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup of your chosen liquor to create a spiked hot chocolate.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cinnamon-infused whipped cream. Finish with a light dusting of additional cinnamon for a festive touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Spirit Swap: Try using alternative spirits, like rum, whiskey, or even coffee liqueur, to put your own spin on this cozy treat.
- Extra Indulgence: For an even more decadent touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce to the whipped cream.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the whipped cream to suit your personal preference for the level of warmth and spice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Freshly grated chocolate, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Storage: Any leftover whipped cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to top off future hot chocolate creations. The hot chocolate itself is best enjoyed immediately while hot and frothy.
Reheat: To reheat the hot chocolate, simply return it to the stovetop and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The whipped cream can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this recipe a breeze to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spiked Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip is a decadent indulgence, with the combination of rich chocolate, creamy dairy, and spirited liquor providing a satisfying yet cozy experience. While it should be enjoyed in moderation, the addition of cinnamon also offers a touch of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to balance out the indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of liquor works best in this recipe?
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made with a variety of spirits to suit your taste preferences. Brandy, rum, and whiskey are all excellent options that will complement the rich, chocolatey flavors. You can also try using coffee liqueur for a mocha twist.
Can I make the whipped cream in advance?
Absolutely! The whipped cream can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this recipe a breeze to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you find the hot chocolate to be too sweet, you can reduce the amount of chocolate used or add an extra splash of milk to dilute the richness. Conversely, if you’d like it sweeter, consider using a chocolate with a lower cacao percentage or adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the whipped cream.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
While the addition of liquor makes this Spiked Hot Chocolate unsuitable for children, you can easily omit the spirit and enjoy a delightful non-alcoholic version that the whole family can enjoy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using your preferred plant-based milk and cream alternatives. For a vegan version, be sure to use dairy-free chocolate and skip the whipped cream, or make a coconut-based whipped topping instead.
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Spiked Hot Chocolate with Creamy Cinnamon Whip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy hot chocolate spiked with your choice of liquor and topped with a delightful cinnamon-infused whipped cream.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup bourbon or rum
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon or rum.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon until soft peaks form.
5. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with the cinnamon whip.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liquor and enjoy the rich hot chocolate as is.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, spiked, cinnamon, whipped cream