Mexican Hot Chocolate

 

There’s a little place in Asheville, NC called the Chocolate Lounge. If your heart just fluttered at the sound of that name, I’m right there with ya. The Chocolate Lounge is a little dessert bar that sells nothing but every variety of chocolate imaginable. It’s essentially heaven, but with more people.

The Chocolate Lounge has a sipping chocolate beverage that utilizes a lot of the flavors commonly added to Mexican Hot Chocolate. Thus, ever since my first introduction to the Chocolate Longue, and my first sip of that delicious beverage, I have been itching to try my own hand at Mexican Hot Chocolate.

I am not sure why it has taken me so long, but consider this my little gift to you on this cold and dreary Sunday morning. With a little kick of spice and the smooth chocolatey flavor, it is bound to wake you and get ya going!

‘Tis The Season’- Hot Chocolate Series Review:

Day One: Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Day Two: Ginger Hot Chocolate

Day Three: Coconut Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional thickener)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili powder
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of cayenne
• 1/8 – ¼ cup chocolate chips
• Dash of sea salt
• optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, dash of sea salt!

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients, apart from the chocolate chips, in a medium saucepan.  Heat over medium high heat, stirring frequently (you don’t want to burn your milk!)
2. Once smooth, add the chocolate chips and quickly whisk in until melted.
3. Remove from the heat and top with whipped cream, mallows, a cinnamon stick, and/or chocolate syrup! Enjoy!

 

Notes and Tips!:

• Aapted from: Gimme Some Oven
• Serving Suggestion: I suggest topping your Hot Chocolate with whipped cream and then a dash of sea salt. The saltiness really brings out the sweet flavors and will satisfy your every craving!