Red Wine-Infused Hot Chocolate Recipe For The Festive Season

This adult hot chocolate has been elevated to the next level with a splash of Shiraz. The combination of a milk-based beverage and wine might seem unusual, but it really isn’t new, if you think about it. Several savoury preparations contain both dairy, like cream, and wine. Here, good-quality chocolate is melted in a pool of vanilla-scented milk and cream, which is finally flavoured with some fruity red wine. Serve garnished with cinnamon sticks and the spice would echo that in the wine. Perfect for festive season!

SERVINGS: 1

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup full cream milk
• ½ cup half-and-half – substitute with equal parts of full cream milk and light thickened cream, if unavailable
• ¼ cup/45g dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup dry red wine – preferably Shiraz
• A few drops of vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp/15ml sugar
• Tiny pinch of salt

METHOD

Combine the whole milk, half-and-half, dark chocolate buttons/ chips, vanilla extract and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the chocolate at the bottom from burning, until it is fully dissolved. Once nice and hot, remove it from heat and pour in the vino. Mix well. Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness using sugar. Pour into a hot chocolate mug and serve immediately.

NOTE

You can substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate, though dark chocolate has more flavour.

We suggest that you try this recipe and use some scraped vanilla bean from the next time, if you like it.

From traditional roast lamb to this red wine chocolate, the official Just Wines blog has plenty of recipes for the festive season. Have a look and do share any suggestions in the comments box below. After all, your words are our inspiration!