How to Make "Adults Only" Hot Chocolate

By Camilla Cicconetti

This sinful version of a childhood favourite is made with real melted dark chocolate, and gets a grown up twist when spiked with liqueur. It's perfect for sipping with your sweetie on a cold winter's evening, but is guaranteed to chase away the blues anytime of year. Sipping solo? Just half the recipe. To sneak in some health benefits, use high quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa mass for antioxidant value. To cut calories, use 1% or skim milk, though whole milk provides the richest flavour.

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You'll Need:

2 cups of milk (organic whole milk is best for the richest flavour. 2% also works well. To cut calories further, use 1% or skim)
100g of good quality dark chocolate (about 3/4 cup), broken in pieces. Try Lindt Excellence "Intense Mint". Set aside a piece or two to shave and sprinkle on finished hot chocolate.
Whipped cream
Cinnamon stick (optional)
Pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon (optional)
1 oz of your favourite liqueur.

Pour milk into saucepan and heat over medium for a few minutes until milk gets steamy.
Reduce heat to low.
Add a cinnamon stick if you wish for a spicy hit.
Pour in your chocolate pieces and whisk in to milk until smoothly blended.
Add a splash of your favourite liqueur if you wish.
Pour hot chocolate into mugs.
Top with whipped cream and extra pinches of cinnamon and nutmeg (optional).
Add chocolate shavings (optional).
Enjoy!