Description
This Decadent Red Wine Hot Chocolate combines rich dark chocolate, smooth red wine, and creamy milk to create a luxurious and comforting drink perfect for cozy evenings. Enhanced with vanilla, a pinch of sea salt, and optional hints of orange and cinnamon, this hot chocolate offers a sophisticated twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange liqueur (optional)
Chocolate & Cocoa
- ½ cup high-quality dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the red wine, whole milk, dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar if using.
- Heat and Melt Chocolate: Stir constantly with a whisk, heating gently for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of fine sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Sweetness and Optional Additions: Taste the hot chocolate and adjust sweetness to your liking. For an extra flavor dimension, optionally stir in 1 teaspoon of orange liqueur.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into heatproof mugs. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately while warm to fully enjoy the decadent creamy texture and complex flavors.
Notes
- Use a high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor and best melting consistency.
- Adjust the sweetness based on your preference; the wine and chocolate provide some natural bitterness.
- Half-and-half can be substituted for whole milk for a creamier drink.
- The optional orange liqueur adds a lovely citrusy kick, but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version or to keep it simple.
- Garnishing with cinnamon sticks and orange zest imparts additional aromatic notes that complement the wine and chocolate.
- Do not let the mixture boil as it can cause the milk to scorch and the chocolate to become grainy.