Recipe: Big-Batch Mexican-Spiced Hot Chocolate
We all know that mugs of velvety hot chocolate are an essential for any snow day. From now on, though, it’s time to treat yourself to the Mexican-spiced upgrade. With just enough warm spices to make your taste buds tingle, this rich drink comes off tasting even more intensely chocolatey and luxurious.
Best of all, it’s made in a big batch, so it’s perfect for sipping all day long with your snow-day partners in crime.
Why Big-Batch Hot Chocolate Wins
In between the sledding, floor picnicking, fort building, and movie marathoning that make snow days so fun, there is hot chocolate. These are the days when a single mug simply won’t do.
Make one big batch of this special drink in the morning, then reap the warm, satisfying rewards throughout the day. After it’s done simmering, settle your covered, chocolate-filled Dutch oven over a warm burner if you plan to dip a ladle in again soon, or stash it in the fridge and reheat as needed throughout the day.
Big-Batch Mexican-Spiced Hot Chocolate
Serves 12
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 15 ounces
bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup
Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup
packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons
ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper (optional)
- 12 cups
(3 quarts) whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon
fine salt
- 1 tablespoon
vanilla extract
Cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Whisk together the chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using) in a Dutch oven or large pot. Pour in the milk and set the pot over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract. If not serving immediately, cover and set on a burner over low heat. Ladle into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat.