This super thick, rich, and sweetly satisfying mint hot chocolate recipe is the perfect after dinner sipper. If you're making hot cocoa for adults, feel free to substitute peppermint schnapps for the mint extract or drop in a shot of espresso for an extra jolt. Now that I think of it, this might be the perfect drink for when Santa finds himself up in the wee hours, hurriedly wrapping last minute gifts and stuffing them under the tree right before the kids wake up at 6am.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5minutes
Cook Time 5minutes
Total Time 10minutes
Servings 6servings
Calories 261kcal
Author Stephanie Stiavetti
Ingredients
4cups2% milkdivided
8ouncessemisweet chocolatefinely chopped
1/2teaspoonmint extract(or 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps for you adults)
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 cup of milk until it reaches 180°F (82°C), or when it starts to steam and bubble around the edges. Do not scald or boil the milk, as this will change the flavor.
Once the milk is at temperature, turn heat to low and slowly pour the chopped chocolate into the milk, whipping quickly with a wire whisk. Keep whisking until all cocoa is melted.
Once chocolate is completely melted into the milk, turn heat up to medium and add the remaining milk. Keep whisking quickly until well mixed. Stir in mint extract or peppermint schnapps. Taste the hot chocolate and add sugar a teaspoon at a time until the drink is as sweet as you prefer.
Ladle hot chocolate into small mugs and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed candy cane.
Variation: Add a shot of espresso to each mug of hot cocoa for the perfect peppermint mocha.
Notes
Nutritional analysis is based on using mint extract and does not include your choice of sweetener or garnishes.