Most foodies and wine connoisseurs would agree that chocolate and wine are natural companions. Both are complex, full flavored, some are sweeter than others, some bitter. A general rule for pairing is that the wine should be comparable in sweetness, or boldness, to the chocolate. Today’s post for Red Wine Hot Cocoa is decadent and indulgent. Because sometimes we.just.need.to.indulge.
With winter unofficially upon us, and temperatures plunging into the low 20’s, dark chocolate and red wine are a common indulgence of mine. They help stave off the winter drearies and since tonight is quite literally freezing, I’m upping the ante. I’m going beyond pairing wine with chocolate. I’m putting chocolate in my wine, or wine in my chocolate. However you want to understand it, it is happening.
There are many recipes on the internet for Red Wine Hot Cocoa and they’ve been floating around for years, however, many of them claim to be too bitter or too rich. This recipe is the perfect combination, it’s slightly boozy, but oh so decadent. Win-win!
I use 100% unsweetened cocoa, sugar, milk, and a dry red wine. That’s it! Because the cocoa is dark and bitter, I am pairing it with a medium full bodied red, like Bordeaux. You can use other reds like Malbec or Tannat. Have fun finding the hot cocoa combination you like. Top it with whipped cream, toasted marshmallows, and cinnamon if you’d like, and share with a friend or better yet, don’t, and have another cup for yourself! 😉
I’d love to hear from you!
If you made this recipe, scroll down and leave me a comment below, I’d love to know what you think! You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Don’t forget to tag me @chasingtheseasons so I can be sure to see it!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp 100% unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup bold red wine of choice recommended Bordeaux
- whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa, sugar and salt, whisk continuously until chocolate and sugar have dissolved and the milk is very hot, but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the wine, stir well to incorporate. Ladle into mugs. Top with whipped cream (optional).
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