Christmas cheer and plummeting temps seem to have one remedy, a steaming, calming mug of lavender hot chocolate made even warmer with the a measure of boozy orangey liquid.
By Lynsey Walker
I sit here and write this it is a balmy -18C with the wind chill and the threat of snow is set to start in about 4 hours. A 
Christmas cheer and plummeting temps seem to only have one remedy…a steaming mug of lavender hot chocolate made even warmer with the a measure of boozy orangey liquid.
Lavender is great to have on hand during this time of year, both herb and essential oil. The scent itself is super relaxing and has been shown to work wonders on headaches (i.e. too many cocktails), stress (i.e. Christmas shopping), and as a useful antiseptic for both cuts and burns (i.e. stepping on Christmas ornaments or burning your hand on a plate of Christmas cookies). A few drops of the oil placed in bowl of hot water can be a great way to open the lungs if struck down by a nasty cold. And lets be honest here… it tastes awesome with both chocolate and orange… two of Christmas town’s favourite flavours.
PrintSpiked Hot Chocolate with Lavender and Grand Marnier
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Christmas cheer and cold temps have one remedy, a steaming, calming mug of lavender hot chocolate made warmer with the a measure of boozy orangey liquid.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender + more for garnish
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2–80g (2.82 ounces) bars dark chocolate, broken into large pieces
- 4–6 oz Grand Marnier
- Whipped Cream
- Orange zest, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan gently heat milk and lavender, until just simmering; be careful not to boil. Remove from heat and allow to steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender.
- Add milk back to the pot and heat over medium low heat. Add chocolate and whisk until melted.
- Remove from heat and divide hot chocolate into cups. Add 1 oz of Grand Marnier to each cup.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with a pinch of lavender and orange zest.
- Category: Beverage, Drink, Cocktail
