I hate to drop a recipe and run, but I whipped up this rich peppermint hot chocolate (Spiked! Hell yas!) tonight and absolutely had to share before Christmas rolls around.. in like.. a matter of hours. Since it’s currently 75º outside and we’re watching for tornados, it’s been a bit tough to get into the Christmassy spirit over here, despite the fact that our house is completely decorated from top to bottom in wintry gear, Leo has approximately 45 presents under the tree, and our fridge is absolutely covered in holiday cards. So today I started craving a spiked peppermint hot chocolate and swung by the liquor store (where they literally ask how Leo is.. I might go there too much.) to abashedly grab a little bottle of peppermint schnapps. And hoo boy! I’m glad I did.
Instead of mixing together a disappointing envelope of hot chocolate mix, I whisked together chocolate chips, half and half, milk and a splash of vanilla extract and peppermint oil. Rich and so creamy, with a shot of peppermint schnapps thrown in, it’s grown-up Christmas heaven.
On a semi-side note, I asked O if he wanted peppermint schnapps in his, and his reaction was alarming. “No!!! I can’t drink that stuff!! I will literally. throw. up! Don’t you have horrible memories of it, too?!”
Seriously.. I think peppermint schnapps violated him to some degree. So.. if you’re like O, just skip the schnapps. If you’re like, erm, not O, for the love of all things holy, spike! We all need a little boost around the extended family, non?
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (semisweet, milk, dark.. up to you! White might even work!)
- dash vanilla extract
- dash peppermint oil
- 1 1.5- ounce shot peppermint schnapps (optional.. but heartily recommended)
- whipped cream , optional
- crushed peppermint candies or candy canes , optional, for garnish
Instructions
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Combine half-and-half and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat and heat 'til warm. Stir in chocolate chips and whisk until melted and totally smooth. Add in a dash of vanilla extract and peppermint oil, then taste. When satisfied with your extract balance, stir in peppermint schnapps, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, and serve.
Haha! I have an awful but hilarious memory of peppermint and peach schnapps from high school. Oh. Dear. And frozen chili. It’s what happens when you have access to your Grandma’s place and she goes to FL for 6 months of the year. 😉
I am not a big peppermint person, but these look awesome. What a perfect holiday/winter drink! Awesome photo’s!