📝 About This Recipe
This isn't your average powdered cocoa; it is a luxurious, molten celebration of winter flavors that balances deep dark chocolate with a refreshing alpine chill. By steeping real peppermint leaves and using a blend of high-quality chocolate bars, we create a multi-dimensional texture that is both silky and soul-warming. Perfect for snowy evenings or as a festive holiday centerpiece, this drink is the ultimate marriage of rich indulgence and crisp botanical brightness.
🥗 Ingredients
The Chocolate Base
- 3 cups Whole Milk (high quality, organic preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (adds essential silkiness)
- 4 ounces Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) (finely chopped from a high-quality bar)
- 2 ounces Milk Chocolate (chopped, for a touch of creamy sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder (sifted to remove lumps)
Infusion & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup Fresh Peppermint Leaves (bruised to release oils)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (more or less depending on chocolate sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon Espresso Powder (enhances the chocolate depth without tasting like coffee)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to balance the sugars)
The Topping & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (kept very cold)
- 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (for the whipped cream)
- 2 pieces Candy Canes (crushed into fine dust and small shards)
- 4 pieces Fresh Mint Sprigs (for a vibrant visual finish)
- 1 tablespoon Chocolate Shavings (for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat.
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2
Add the bruised fresh peppermint leaves to the milk mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes to extract the natural oils.
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3
While the milk steeps, finely chop your dark and milk chocolate bars. The smaller the pieces, the smoother the melt.
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4
Strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the peppermint leaves, then return the infused milk to the saucepan.
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5
Place the saucepan back over low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar, and sea salt until no lumps remain.
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6
Gradually add the chopped chocolate pieces. Whisk constantly in a figure-eight motion until the chocolate is completely melted and the liquid is glossy.
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7
Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla bean paste. Taste the mixture; if you prefer a punchier mint flavor, add another drop of extract.
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8
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft, billowy peaks form.
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9
Heat the chocolate mixture for another 1-2 minutes until it is steaming and slightly thickened, but avoid a rolling boil which can grain the chocolate.
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10
Pour the hot chocolate into four pre-warmed ceramic mugs, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
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11
Gently dollop a generous spoonful of the homemade whipped cream onto each mug.
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12
Garnish immediately with crushed candy cane shards, a dusting of chocolate shavings, and a fresh mint sprig for a professional cafe aesthetic.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use a bar of chocolate rather than chocolate chips; chips contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting into a truly smooth liquid. Steeping real mint leaves provides a 'round' botanical flavor that extract alone cannot replicate. If the hot chocolate becomes too thick, simply whisk in an extra splash of warm milk to reach your desired consistency. Never let the mixture reach a hard boil, as this can cause the milk to scald and the chocolate to lose its temper and become grainy. For an extra frothy finish, use a handheld milk frother or immersion blender for 30 seconds before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with warm, buttery shortbread cookies to contrast the rich chocolate. Serve alongside a bowl of salty roasted almonds to balance the sweetness. Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or bourbon for an 'adults-only' evening version. Accompany with a side of fresh raspberries for a tart, fruity counterpoint. Enjoy while nestled by a fireplace for the ultimate sensory experience.