PHOTO: Carolyn Tillery
A pretty cup of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace is the perfect remedy for all the frigid weather we’ve had this week. My favorite hot milky drink is an old Southern Living magazine recipe: “Boozy Buttermint White Hot Chocolate.”
Rather than the usual cocoa powder route for hot chocolate, this recipe serves up a delicious, creamy, sweet drink made from white chocolate and those pastel-colored melt-in-your-mouth mints—staples of baby and bridal showers.
A fantastic twist to the recipe is that it’s perfect for children and those who don’t drink alcohol, as well. The recipe can be doubled or prepared in advance. If making ahead, omit the alcohol (add when reheating) and store in a covered container. This is a sweet drink; resist the temptation to add extra white chocolate or mints.
It’s like having dessert and a cocktail in one!
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup white buttermints
6 ounce chopped white chocolate
2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s Irish)
1 cup marshmallows
Mint springs
Crushed buttermints
Directions
Whisk together 4 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and ½ cup white buttermints in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium, constantly stirring until mints are dissolved, and the mixture is hot for about 13 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in 6 ounces chopped white chocolate (good quality white chocolate chips work as well) and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in 1/3 cup Irish cream liqueur such as Baileys. Spiced rum or Disaronno works just as well.
Pour into 4 serving cups, and top each with ¼ cup marshmallows. Garnish with mint springs and crushed buttermints, if desired.