Dessert, cocktail, or both? However you look at this grown-up drink, the answer is yes. It is a great way to enjoy Christmas, celebrate Valentine’s Day, or entertain during a cozy weeknight at home.
Pick four of your nicest tall cocktail glasses and set them in the freezer to chill.
You’ll start off this recipe by making a base of thick hot cocoa. Choose your favorite brand of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for this drink’s base. The higher quality the chocolate, the better. Melt it slowly in a saucepan and turn off the heat as soon as it’s ready. Nobody wants to drink burned chocolate! Add in unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar. Slowly stream in the cold milk. Don’t worry if the chocolate seizes up. If it does, turn the heat back on and continue stirring until melted. Off of the stove, finish stirring in the milk. Add in your favorite rum or go wild and replace it with bourbon, whiskey, or stout. If you have the time, chill the boozy chocolate mixture in the freezer for 15 minutes to prevent separation when blending with the ice cubes.
Next, make the whipped topping. Beat cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until peaks form. If you have leftover chocolate, make a garnish of shavings or chocolate curls with a scraper or peeling tool. Other topping ideas include cocoa powder, sprinkles, a small cookie, or drizzled chocolate syrup.
Whirl the cooled chocolate mixture and ice in a blender and pour into your frosted glasses. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate. Give the drink extra zing with a colorful paper straw. We found ours on Amazon.com.