it’s a snowy friday morning in nyc. i’ve been sick all week and this is a perfect blood-warming treat while nestled indoors. i made this mix for friends as holiday gifts and they were a big hit!
this spicy hot chocolate mix features a hot trio of cinnamon, ginger and cayenne pepper for a very easy to make and oh so delicious winter drink. if you don’t have cocoa powder, spruce up boring pre-made hot cocoa mix. and when making the drink, sub soy, almond, or coconut milk for cow’s milk for a yummy vegan alternative.
scroll down for two easy-peasy garnishes: spiced honey whipped cream and chocolate dipped stirring sticks. happy snow day!
HOT HOT COCOA MIX
ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground red (cayenne) pepper
- a pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- a pinch ground cardamom (optional)
- a pinch ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk (or vegan alternative, like soy, almond or coconut milk)
directions:
combine and thoroughly mix ingredients in a bowl. store in airtight container.
for hot cocoa, stir two tsp in 1 cup of warmed milk. dust with cinnamon, nutmeg or powdered sugar and enjoy with the following garnishes:
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SPICED HONEY WHIPPED CREAM
ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
directions:
in a bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. add spices and vanilla. whip thoroughly and dollop over hot cocoa. enjoy!
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CHOCOLATE DIPPED STIRRING STICKS
ingredients:
- whole cinnamon sticks (alternatively, use candy canes or spoons)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
directions:
melt chocolate in microwave. in a bowl, coat stirring end of cinnamon sticks in melted chocolate (for subtler taste, try drizzling chocolate on stirrers instead). allow to harden and get to stirring. enjoy!
