Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Throw Away the Instant Coco Mix

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Throw away the powdered hot chocolate mix, you deserve better treat yourself to a luscious high quality hot cocoa. So let’s make Peppermint Hot Cocoa

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 5 Cups

Ingredients

  

• ½ C Brown Sugar
• ⅓ C Cocoa Powder
• ½ C Chocolate (Chips, Discs, Or Chopped)
• 1 Pinch Salt
• Splash of Vanilla
• ½ Tsp Peppermint Extract
• ⅓ C Water (Hot)
• Milk

Instructions

 

• In a small pot over medium-low heat, add in all of the ingredients and mix until the chocolate dissolves and everything becomes a smooth sauce that is glossy and can act like a mirror. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes
• Mix the Chocolate Sauce with hot milk in a cup.

Notes

Use moderate heat and keep an eye on the mixture when it is melting. Do not allow it to boil, as boiling the mixture can affect the chocolate.

The heat is to help bloom the cacao powder and meld everything together.

Adjust to taste

Boiling milk in a pot might make the milk curdle and just make everything messy if it boils over.

Use whatever Chocolate you want, I prefer Dark Chocolate, but DO NOT USE WHITE CHOCOLATE. Don’t be a schmeck

Keyword Breakfast, Dessert, Easy, Make Ahead, Recipe, Sweet

Creating an elevated peppermint dark chocolate syrup for hot cocoa transforms a classic winter beverage into a luxurious and indulgent treat. This exquisite syrup begins with high-quality dark chocolate, renowned for its rich, intense flavor and velvety texture. Choosing a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content ensures a deep chocolatey taste that serves as the perfect base for this decadent syrup.

To infuse the syrup with refreshing minty notes, fresh peppermint leaves or peppermint extract are added to the chocolate mixture. Whether using fresh mint for a vibrant herbal essence or peppermint extract for a more concentrated flavor, this addition lends a delightful coolness and depth to the syrup, reminiscent of a winter wonderland.

Balancing the richness of the dark chocolate and the freshness of the peppermint is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor profile. Sweetness is introduced through the addition of sugar or a sweetener of choice, ensuring that the syrup is not overly bitter while complementing the natural sweetness of the chocolate.

To elevate the complexity of the syrup, a hint of warmth and spice can be incorporated. This can be achieved through the addition of a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of espresso for depth and richness. These subtle nuances add layers of flavor that elevate the syrup beyond the ordinary, creating a truly memorable hot cocoa experience.

The process of making the syrup involves gently melting the dark chocolate with the desired sweetener and flavorings over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, it can be stored in a jar or bottle for future use, ready to be drizzled generously over steaming mugs of hot cocoa.

When combined with hot milk or water, this peppermint dark chocolate syrup transforms into a velvety elixir of comfort and indulgence, enveloping the senses in a cozy embrace. Garnishing with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a candy cane adds a festive touch, making each sip a celebration of winter’s delights.

In conclusion, crafting an elevated peppermint dark chocolate syrup for hot cocoa elevates a beloved beverage to new heights of sophistication and flavor. With its rich chocolatey goodness, refreshing minty notes, and subtle hints of warmth and spice, this syrup is sure to enchant and delight, making every cup of hot cocoa a luxurious treat to be savored and enjoyed.