Mint Hot Chocolate Recipe for St. Patrick's Day (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to hot chocolate to make it better? ›

Flavored spreads add a ton of flavor without adding extra effort. Another no-fuss way to add flavor to your hot cocoa is by melting in a spoonful of your favorite flavored spread. Peanut butter, cookie butter, and Nutella are all good to add-in since their flavors pair well with chocolate.

Caramel Or Chocolate Sauce

Another common ingredient that can elevate your hot chocolate in an instant is chocolate sauce or caramel sauce. Both sweet sauces pair with hot chocolate amazingly well thanks to their sweet flavour which also has a smooth mouthfeel which makes the hot chocolate experience even better.

A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. Coconut and almond extracts lend hot chocolate an Almond Joy-like taste, while vanilla adds dimension to the chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract instantly gives the drink a holiday flair.

Adding a splash of alcohol like rum, brandy, or whisky can transform your hot chocolate into a truly indulgent and sophisticated drink.

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Whole milk lends to the creaminess and sweetness of hot chocolate, but feel free to use low-fat or nonfat milk if you prefer. For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, switch out 1/4 cup of milk for cream. Soy milk or another non-dairy milk is an alternative if you are lactose intolerant.

The sweetness, texture, and flavor of the marshmallows enhance the richness and creaminess of the hot chocolate, resulting in a delightful pairing.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

These dehydrated marshmallows are pure fun! Perfect for adding to hot cocoa, baked goods, and snack mixes, these crunchy sugar bombs are a cinch to make. Most of the time, our dehydrator recipes and experiments are done for the practical purpose of preserving food.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

Strawberries

This complements the sweet flavour of hot chocolate quite well. Additionally, you can also dip them in melted chocolate to make the experience more indulgent. Other than strawberries, you can also pair your hot chocolate with other citrus fruits, such as oranges or blackberries.

Hot chocolate bombs — also called hot cocoa bombs — are spheres of tempered chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and sometimes sprinkles. When added to hot milk, the chocolate spheres melt, releasing the cocoa mix and creating a tasty cup of hot chocolate.

Caffè mocha, in its most basic formulation, can also be referred to as hot chocolate with (e.g., a shot of) espresso added. Like cappuccino, caffè mochas typically contain the distinctive milk froth on top; as is common with hot chocolate, they are sometimes served with whipped cream instead.

Fourth option is to add stuff. Sugar, creamer powder, spices (possibly brought from home), whatever pleases you - and some of which might already be present for doctoring coffee. Any of these options should add some flavor, changing the taste but perhaps not badly.

The subtle mint flavour pairs wonderfully with the rich cocoa. Flavoured Creamers: Consider using flavoured creamers like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut to add a new depth of flavour to your hot chocolate. Nutmeg: A light dusting of nutmeg can add a warm and inviting flavour, perfect for a cosy night in.