Bourbon Hot Chocolate Recipe

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It's holiday season and there's a chill in the air... so you know what that means. It's time to break out your cozy socks and start making warm, seasonally inspired drinks. Hot apple cider and spiked eggnog are classics, but when temperatures cool down, there's nothing quite like good old fashioned hot chocolate. You know what makes hot chocolate even better? Booze. While it's obviously an optional ingredient, adding bourbon to hot chocolate truly takes it to the next level. Try this easy version for a cozy treat that will warm you up in no time.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup whole milk (low-fat or nondairy may be substituted)

  • 2 ounces (1/3 cup) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons bourbon

  • Optional: whipped cream for serving

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Any milk will technically work in this recipe. Keep in mind that the higher the fat content, the more decadent the results will be. If you're adding whipped cream, a lower fat milk might make the hot chocolate feel less heavy. If you're omitting whipped cream, definitely consider using whole milk. Treat yourself!

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You can get creative and use something other than bourbon. Spiced rum and Grand Marnier would be good options. Since the hot chocolate is already sweet, a sweet liqueur such as Irish cream or Kahlua has the potential to be cloying. It can still work, but consider using unsweetened chocolate instead of sweetened, and then adding the liqueur for sugar content.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

Step 2: Heat the Milk

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's steaming and barely starting to simmer.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

Step 3: Place Chocolate Chips in a Bowl

Place the chocolate chips in a liquid measuring cup or bowl, preferably one with a spout.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

Step 4: Pour Hot Milk Over Chocolate

Pour the hot milk over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds to melt the chocolate.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

Step 5: Whisk, Then Add Remaining Ingredients

Whisk until the milk and chocolate have incorporated. Whisk in the bourbon and vanilla.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

Step 6: Serve

Pour into a mug. (Note: if there are any chocolate lumps, you can pour through a fine mesh strainer). Top with whipped cream, if using. Serve immediately.

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Image Credit: Jennifer Farley - SavorySimple.net

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