Fruit Flavored Hot Cocoa for 2 (with "adult" add-ins)

Pin It

Here is one last post before we have to bid farewell to the (almost non-existent, here in LA) winter season. Chocolate pairs so well with so many flavors it was hard to narrow it down and decide which combo to share. I decided to do something a little more original than a mint or cinnamon infused cocoa, so today I am sharing some hot cocoa recipes with a fruity twist, that can also be spiked with coordinating flavored liquors for an "adult" variation.

Since it is still a little chilly out, this recipe can also be used as a special Valentine's Day treat.

Basic Hot Cocoa (with fruit flavored variations)

Yield: 2 (6-8oz.) servings*
*Double recipe for 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 cups milk or half & half
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• VARIATIONS
• Orange: Zest of 1 small organic orange (outer orange skin- NO white part), finely grated, plus 1 tablespoon orange liquor (Grand Marnier or Cointreau), optional
• Raspberry (or your favorite berry): 1/4 cup seedless berry preserves or jam, plus 1 tablespoon raspberry liquor (Chambord), optional
• Banana: 1 banana, very ripe and pureed plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon chocolate liquor, optional

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar and salt. Add water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly over medium heat. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add milk and stir constantly until warm. Do not boil. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. Divide between two mugs and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.

VARIATIONS

• Orange: Add zest in with the water. Stir in liquor with vanilla extract if desired.
• Berry: Add preserves in with the milk until dissolved. Stir in liquor with vanilla extract if desired.
• Banana: Add mashed banana puree and cinnamon in with milk until smooth. Stir in liquor with vanilla extract if desired.

NOTE: You may alternatively use 1/4 teaspoon orange, raspberry or banana extract in place of the orange zest or raspberry preserves or banana, by adding it in with the vanilla.

Enjoy!

Click here for more Valentine's Day and Romantic Recipes & Treat Tutorials

Give it a try, and be sure to share a picture on our Facebook wall, or email a photo to MyCreation@dollhousebakeshoppe.com to have your recreation featured in our Fan Photo album!

If you enjoyed this post I'd love for you to share it using the share buttons below, or spread the word on your blog/website by posting one of the photos above with a link back to this page for the complete post. Thanks so much. Enjoy!

  

 Subscribe and never miss a post!  → 
Be the first to see my all-new dessert recipes, festive treat tutorials, baking tips and more, sent straight to your inbox or favorite reader.

Pin It