Quality chocolate melted with cream and a nip of Grand Marnier not only tastes delicious, but brings rosiness back to your cheeks. So stay inside your igloo, find an armchair and take on the winter one sip at a time.
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Boozy Dark Chocolate and Cayenne Pepper Cocoa
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich and spicy boozy dark chocolate hot cocoa, perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients
- 5 oz (140 g) dark chocolate, 70%
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 2 oz (60 ml) Grand Marnier, or orange liqueur
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Using a box grater, grate the dark chocolate into fine shavings and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated chocolate until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the Grand Marnier or orange liqueur until well mixed.
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and serve immediately, enjoying the warmth and spice.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Grand Marnier.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for more or less spice.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 35
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hot cocoa without the alcohol?
Yes — the notes say to simply omit the 2 oz of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur for a non-alcoholic version; the dark chocolate and cayenne still make a rich, warming drink.
Can I save leftover hot cocoa?
The notes say to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the consistency — the 70% dark chocolate can make the mixture quite thick as it cools.
How spicy is the cayenne hit, and can I adjust it?
The recipe calls for just a pinch, which adds a subtle warmth rather than outright heat. The notes confirm you can adjust the amount to taste for more or less spice.
I am not a big Cocoa drinker, but when I do enjoy it on a cool day or night, I “must” have it topped w/ a couple shakes of cayenne!!
Its a MUST – Yummy Must.lol