Indulge me for a minute… no, actually indulge YOURSELF. Red Wine Hot Chocolate is a thing, and it is delicious!
We are on the other side of a winter storm which brought snow followed by freezing rain and then single digit temperatures, and I can’t think of a better drink to warm up with after navigating the frozen tundra that is currently Massachusetts.
The ingredient list is short, it comes together quickly, and the combination of red wine and chocolate is – unsurprisingly – quite good (the smooth acidity of the wine keeps the hot chocolate from being too cloyingly sweet). You could certainly simply add wine to instant hot cocoa, but making it from scratch yields a cup of unrivaled rich chocolatey goodness.
I’ll just be over here cuddled up with a mug of this blissful beverage until winter is over.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
| Name | Red Wine Hot Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | fusion |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 2 servings |
| Yield | 2 cups |
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, preferably organic (I used 1%)
- 1/3 cup good quality dark chocolate (chips or finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup good quality dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, optional
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure out all the ingredients to make the preparation process smoother.
Sift the Cocoa Powder
Sift the cocoa powder into a small bowl to ensure it’s smooth and free of lumps.
Combine Wine and Milk
In a saucepan, gently heat the red wine and milk over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling; you want it hot but not scalding. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
Whisk in the Cocoa Powder
Once the liquid is heated, whisk in the sifted cocoa powder. Continue to whisk until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
Add Sugar and Salt
Stir in the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness to your preference; you can add more sugar if desired.
Infuse with Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate that lovely vanilla aroma.
Serve and Garnish
Pour your Red Wine Hot Chocolate into your favorite mugs or heatproof glasses. If desired, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy
Sip your Red Wine Hot Chocolate slowly and savor the rich blend of chocolate and wine flavors. The warmth and complexity of the red wine perfectly complement the creamy cocoa goodness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 calories
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
