Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Naughty or Nice?

I really, really, really enjoy a quality hot chocolate at Christmastime. A fun fact about me is that I actually hate hot drinks, I don’t drink coffee or tea of any kind, but, for some reason, at Christmas, I love hot chocolate. I can’t drink a full cup but the warm cup in my hand and approximately 5-6 sips max really warms my heart.

Every year, when I’m in New York City for the holidays, I go on a hot chocolate tour of the city. I really love a rich, thick, chocolate-y hot chocolate and a dash of peppermint makes it even better. If you can serve it up with a pretty garnish in a great looking mug, I’m a happy, festive feeling little camper.

The girls and I recently had friends over to get a head start on gift wrapping and we served a very pretty peppermint hot chocolate in classic tartan mugs topped with small chunks of peppermint candy and oversized marshmallows. Not only did it look festive, it tasted great.

This recipe is super easy to whip up in the evenings for guests, the kids or just for you and your husband. If you’re really in a rush, Williams Sonoma makes a ready-made version we really like. We’ve also included a naughty version of peppermint hot chocolate if you prefer yours spiked with a little extra holiday spirit!!

Nice List Peppermint Hot Chocolate ::

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 drops peppermint oil
Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings + peppermint, for garnish

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium-low heat. When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate, and stir, until melted. Stir in the peppermint oil. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Naughty List Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
1/4 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
1/2 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 c. hot chocolate
Whipped cream, for serving
Crushed peppermint candy, for serving

Directions
Add peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and hot chocolate to a sauce pan. Heat mixture then add to serving glass.
Garnish with whip cream and crushed peppermint candy.