Beverages > Hot Drinks > Chocolate Drinks

Spicy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt until fully combined.
3. Continue whisking until the mixture is heated through and begins to simmer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes 2 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 360
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 330mg
Sugar: 29g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond milk or soy milk can be used instead of whole milk.
- Coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream.
- Dark chocolate chips can be used instead of cocoa powder.

Variations:
- Add a shot of espresso to make a mocha version.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for a creamy white hot chocolate.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur for a festive twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the hot chocolate frequently to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use a frother to make the whipped cream extra fluffy.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the hot chocolate in festive mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Garnishes:
Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks

Pairings:
- Biscotti or shortbread cookies
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Fresh fruit

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Croissant
- Scone

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hot chocolate is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the hot chocolate is too thin, add more cocoa powder.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to heat the hot chocolate to a temperature of at least 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

Food history:
Hot chocolate has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to the Aztecs who drank a bitter version made from ground cocoa beans.

Flavor profiles:
Rich, chocolatey, spicy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the hot chocolate as a cozy drink on a cold winter night.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Mexican

Taste: Spicy, Hot, Rich, Chocolatey, Sweet