Red Wine Hot Chocolate
With the weather starting to cool off and the skies turning a little gray and moody, it’s time to put a simple, warm, decadent, drinkable dessert onto our list of Easy Extras. This red wine hot chocolate is sure to add flair and flavor and fun to your seasonal snacking!
The prefect partnership Wine + Chocolate
"It's all about the chocolate" -- no!! -- "It's all about the wine"
Okay – it’s all about both! I’ve never tasted a treat so perfectly partnered as this Red Wine Hot Chocolate. Really, the intense, dark broody Belgian chocolate and the sweet, jammy, slightly woodsy red wine are made for each other.
The first sip is an explosion of flavors – equal bursts of chocolate and red wine. All I can think of is why haven’t I had this before?? Why isn’t this a fall and winter staple – EVERYWHERE??
Let’s Talk Chocolate
For this recipe, I recommend using high quality chocolate. None of the cheap stuff. Why? Because those cheaper chocolates contain additives that can mess with the texture and flavors we’re trying to create in this drinkable dessert.
In order to maximize the creamy luxury in this drink, I splurge and purchase a luxurious chocolate bar (maybe Swiss or Belgian). Chopped, high-quality chocolate will melt beautifully into the wine, milk and cream as they warm.
Let’s Talk Wine
You can certainly use any drinking wine for this recipe but I really loved addition of this semi-sweet red wine (like a Malbec, Moscato or even a Pinot Noir). The key is to use a wine you would enjoy drinking – a great wine will make this warm, drinkable dessert sing!
Making this drink for the under 21 crowd
To convert this hot chocolate to a kids friendly treat, simply omit the wine and add more milk. They’ll certainly be shocked at how delicious homemade hot chocolate is!
I keep referring to this Red Wine Hot Chocolate as a drinkable dessert – because that’s really what it is. It’s sweet and rich and thick and creamy. A decadent indulgence that will certainly satisfy your sweet craving!
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
- 6 oz Belgian chocolate, chopped (or chips)
- 6 oz red wine (I used Texas Azuca Artize)
- 1/2 c milk
- 1/2 c heavy whipping cream
- 2 T powdered sugar (optional, adds an extra creaminess)
- 1/8 t pink Himalayan salt
- 1/8 t orange zest (optional)
- cinnamon stick (optional)
- small slice of candied ginger (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium flame, combine all ingredients and optional flavor additions.
Warm over medium/medium low flame, stirring continuously, until the chocolate is melted.
Remove from heat and serve immediately in 4 oz portions.
Serves 6
*this drink will not keep, so serve, enjoy, and then discard leftovers.
