From Frozen to Liquored Up, Hot Chocolate Variations You’ll Love

Like many Americans, and people all over the world for that matter, I am addicted to chocolate. To be more specific, I am addicted to hot chocolate. I drink it several times a week and I have searched far and wide for great hot chocolate recipes. In the process, I have even managed to create a few of my own. Hot chocolate isn’t just plain hot chocolate anymore. Living in the times of gourmet foods, this trend has even put twists on our childhood favorites. These variations of this cold weather classic are sure to please all year long! Consider a few of these the next time your in the mood for a delicious chocolate drink!

Now most people don’t think of hot chocolate during the hot summer months. This Frozen Hot Chocolate was featured on Food Network’s “Paula’s Party” and is a copycat of the famous “Frrrozen” Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3 in New York City. It is absolutely divine! I’ll include the recipe at the end of this article. This refreshing variation of hot chocolate is a wonderful treat on those scorching summer days.

If there is one thing I have learned about hot chocolate, it is that hot chocolate always tastes better when it is made with milk. Many hot chocolate mixes give you directions that call for water. What you get with that is a weak drink. I love the smooth, creamy texture that milk gives the drink. It also enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

Another thing I have learned about chocolate in general is that there are a couple of things that enhance the flavor. One is vanilla. Add a few drops or so to your hot chocolate and you’ve got a stronger tasting chocolate.

The other additive is coffee. Need a quick pick-me-up? Have any left over coffee from this morning? Make half of your liquid coffee and the other half milk. Not only will you get your caffeine fix, you’ll have a more pronounced chocolate flavor.

Add a dash of cinnamon to your hot chocolate. It adds an extra little bit of something to the flavor. It really tastes pretty good!

Of course, my favorite variations are the liquored up kind. Yes, you can turn this childhood favorite into an adult only drink with just a little of your favorite liquor. Well, not just any liquor can be added. But there are several options that work really well.

The first is my favorite, Bailey’s Irish Cream. Cut back the milk and add a shot of Bailey’s. The smoothness of the Irish cream adds to the creamy texture of the drink. The combination of flavors compliment each other pretty well.

Another one to try is Godiva chocolate liquor. Chocolate liquor adds a little kick to the chocolate you already have in the drink.

Irish whiskey tastes great in hot chocolate, as well. It lends a heavier taste than other liquors, but with the milk, it balances out into a great drink.

So what do you get when you add all these together? As I like to call it, a “Chocolate Shamrock.” Add about a third of a shot or so each of the Irish cream, chocolate liquor, and whiskey for a really liquored up, but absolutely delicious drink.

No matter what the season, hot chocolate can be enjoyed any time of the year. Hot or frozen, this drink is a classic! But by adding a few simple ingredients, you can create variations that everyone will love!

Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe
Ingredients:
3 ounces best-quality chocolate (or a variety of your favorites)
2 teaspoons store bought hot chocolate mix (recommended: Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups ice
Whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions:
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt in a small heavy saucepan or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature. In a blender, place the remaining 1 cup of milk, the chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.