Boozy Hot Chocolate
The following recipe and photography was provided by recipe developer and food photographer, Ashley Durand of Plate & Pen.
Satisfy your inner child with this indulgent, adult-friendly Boozy Hot Chocolate!
If you’re a chocolate lover, you probably have fond memories of sipping hot chocolate on cold winter days. Most of our mugs were probably filled with warm milk and a powdered cocoa mix, but if you’ve had a chance to sip true hot chocolate, made from real melted chocolate, you know that nothing compares!
This Boozy Hot Chocolate combines Heinen’s whole milk with Heinen’s semi-sweet chocolate chips and a Two Brothers chocolate bar, creating the most luxurious, chocolatey base. Grand Marnier, a French liqueur made from a blend of cognac and bitter orange, is then added for a bit of booze and depth of flavor.
Topped with your favorite toppings, like marshmallows and chocolate shavings, this adult-inspired spin on a nostalgic seasonal drink is sure to make spirits bright this holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It Uses Affordable, High Quality Chocolate. While hot cocoa mixes are a great shortcut, nothing rivals the deep flavor and rich texture of hot chocolate made from real melted chocolate. Heinen’s is a great place to shop for chocolate because they have an assortment of chocolate chips at prices that are cheaper than national brands. Whether you like semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate, Heinen’s has what you’re craving. Even better, Heinen’s also carries premium chocolate bars under their Two Brothers brand. Made with real Belgian chocolate and available in multiple varieties, they’re the perfect way to elevate a homemade hot chocolate. This recipe uses Two Brothers dark chocolate bar with espresso beans. The hint of espresso really elevates the flavor of the chocolate.
- It Can Be as Boozy or Basic. If you prefer your hot chocolate booze-free, feel free to omit the Grand Marnier. If you’re not a fan of Grand Marnier, use a liquor of your choice instead. Get creative and make this drink work for you!
- It’s Easy to Make. Ready to serve in just 20 minutes, this Boozy Hot Chocolate is almost as quick to make as a premade hot cocoa mix.
Boozy Hot Chocolate
Servings: 3-4 Cups
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Heinen’s semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Two Brothers dark chocolate bar with espresso beans, chopped
- 2 cups Heinen’s whole milk
- 3 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- A pinch of kosher salt
- Marshmallows (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat until it begins to barely simmer.
- Add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped chocolate bar and whisk until combined and smooth, about 5 minutes. There should be no remaining specks of chocolate.
- Remove from the heat and add the Grand Marnier, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Allow to cool to a safe drinking temperature for about 5 minutes.
- Pour into mugs.
- Top with marshmallows and chocolate shavings, if desired.
