Comet’s Hot Cocoa

2023 Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 12 – Comet’s Hot Cocoa. Warm your hands on a cup of hot cocoa with some added kick from bourbon, orange liqueur, and spicy clementine cordial.   

A boozy hot chocolate is a necessity in this cocktail advent calendar and I’m loving this version that is loosely inspired by the flavour of another Christmas classic – Terry’s Chocolate Orange. I’ve added some bourbon for a boozy base and the spicy clementine cordial adds kick.

Using a quality dark chocolate and melting it down in a saucepan with milk makes for a rich, slightly bitter base for this decadent drink. Sure, you could take a shortcut by using hot chocolate mix but unless you’re using a premium drinking chocolate, the result likely won’t be quite as tasty.

If you’re feeling bougie, you could swap out the mini marshmallows for a homemade batch – maybe infused with a bit of orange liqueur? Just a thought.

Be sure to tune into my Instagram Stories tonight at 5 p.m. Eastern for a step-by-step tutorial on how to make this Comet’s Hot Cocoa!

Cheers, friends!

Comet’s Hot Cocoa

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Comet’s Hot Cocoa

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Warm your hands on a cup of hot cocoa with some added kick from bourbon, orange liqueur, and spicy clementine cordial.   

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: hot chocolate, Orange Liqueur, Whisky

Servings: 1 drink

Author: Yvonne Langen

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk or plant-based milk of your choice
• ¼ cup good quality dark chocolate chopped
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 oz bourbon
• ½ oz Grand Marnier
• ½ oz spicy clementine cordial
• Garnish: marshmallows

Spicy Clementine Cordial

• 8 limes peeled and juiced (approx. 4 oz lime juice)
• 4 clementines peeled and juiced (approx. 4 oz clementine juice)
• 2- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped
• 6 cracked cardamom pods
• 1 Thai chili diced
• 1½ cups granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Add milk, dark chocolate, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth (do not boil).
2. Meanwhile, charge a heatproof mug with hot water.
3. When the hot chocolate is nearly ready, discard hot water. Add bourbon, orange liqueur, and cordial to the mug. Top with hot chocolate. Stir well.
4. Garnish with marshmallows.

Spicy Clementine Cordial

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan (including all citrus peels) over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
2. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until syrup is slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Remove solids and fine strain into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.