Hey, Martingrove! This year has been different for many reasons, so why not make some different Christmas drinks to go along with it? Serve these unique hot chocolate recipes from around the world to your family, friends, or just enjoy a warm cup by yourself!
Recipe #1- Indian Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate:
For those who love a warm, spicy, cup of chai on a cold day, this Indian hot chocolate recipe can deliver the same comfort, in a more Christmas-spirited way! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom or 4 pods, crushed
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups of milk
- ¾ cup of white chocolate chips
Instructions:
- On medium heat, whisk water, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise together in a small saucepan, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- After reducing heat to a simmer, add brown sugar and milk. Stir until it is fully dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low, add white chocolate, and bring to a preferred temperature, but do NOT let it boil.
- Remove the star anise (straining is optional), pour the hot chocolate into mugs, and serve immediately!
Recipe #2 - Mexican Hot Chocolate:
It is believed by historians that Mayans, one of the best-known classical civilizations of Mesoamerica (they rose to prominence around A.D. 250 in present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern Belize and western Honduras), drank a similar version of hot chocolate to ours as early as 500 B.C. Their hot chocolate included ground-up cocoa seeds, water, cornmeal, and chili peppers. Here is a modernized iteration of the original recipe:
Ingredients (Makes two cups):
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 ounces Mexican or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Stir often and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- To create a foamy top layer, pour approximately ¾ of the mixture into cups, and whisk the the rest of the mixture left in the saucepan vigorously.
- After the hot chocolate in the saucepan becomes foamy, pour into two mugs to share with a loved one, and serve immediately!
Recipe #3 - French Hot Chocolate:
A hot chocolate from one of the most romantic countries is perfect for hot chocolate lovers who want an elevated version of the classic hot chocolate to enjoy with a warm croissant!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- 2 tsp powdered sugar
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Whisk milk, cream, and powdered sugar together over medium heat until it starts to bubble in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the chocolate slowly after removing the pan from the heat.
- Once the chocolate has melted and/or warmed up a little, put the pan back on the heat and stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Pour this delicious hot chocolate into mugs and serve with whipped cream!
Well Martingrove, that concludes our list of some extravagant recipes, you can try during this holiday season! We hope you have a restful and festive break!
Sources:
https://worldstrides.com/blog/2020/11/9-heavenly-hot-chocolate-recipes-from-around-the-world/
Image source:
https://wordpress.org/openverse/photos/1b1f9487-d2d2-4352-a0c1-49d2d3c48b8d/