By H.L. Stace
As the weather cools down and the holidays grow near your cravings for margaritas and lemonade maybe shifting to warm cider and hot chocolate. Maybe in the past you’ve been standing in your kitchen waiting for the water to boil so you can enjoy an oversized cup of hot chocolate wondering what could add to personalize it. Here are seven things you can add to your hot chocolate to make it super delicious.
Irish Cream Liquor-
I got this idea from my Great Grandma who absolutely loved Irish cream liquor. This adds richness and a little nip of something extra (wink wink).
Raspberry Syrup-
If you are a fan of those yummy little raspberry chocolate bars you’re going to be a fan of this combination. The raspberry syrup gives the hot chocolate a sweet zing.
Cinnamon-
Cinnamon is a spicy, warming herb that complements the dark flavor of chocolate.
Peppermint Oil-
It’s basically a junior mint in a cup. It can’t get much better that that.
Whole Milk-
Oh wait, it just did. Rather than using plain old water heat up whole milk in a sauce pan, pour it into your cup, and just add your hot chocolate mix. It’s super rich and creamy. It’s not exactly calorie conscious, but it can serve as your dirty little secret.
Pumpkin Pie Spice-
You might love the flavor of pumpkin pie spice but maybe you’re not a fan of the coffee flavor in a pumpkin pie spice latte or cappuccino. Pumpkin pie spice hot chocolate is a great alternative.
Almond Milk-
This is the calorie conscious, obscure, vegetarian cousin of number five. To the vegans, the lactose intolerant, and the dieters this one is for you. I’ve found that anything with a deep or savory flavor is best paired with nut based milk. Almond milk is thick, nutty, with just a hint of sweetness that compliments chocolate very well.
These are just a few ideas on how to personalize your hot chocolate. It’s a big, wide culinary world out there filled with possibilities. Be daring, add a few drops of Tabasco and let the fun begin. Have your hot chocolate, drink it too, and do whatever the heck you want with it.
