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Winter's Best Mashup: Red Wine Hot Chocolate
It's not everyday that two of my favorite beverages come together to form the best holiday mashup of all time: Red Wine Hot Chocolate. In 2014, this wonderful creation was blogged about by Immaeatthat, and it went mega viral. Of course, sommeliers from all over the world have put their own spin on this winter drink by trying different kinds of wine to bring out a spicier flavor, or hints of sweetness.
But nothing can change the fact that this deliciously decadent drink is to die for.
As a year-round red wine drinker, I prefer richer, warmer wines with a hint of spice during the winter (read: Cabernet or red blend). Naturally, the best choice for my red wine hot chocolate is the Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Ivory Label Cabernet Sauvignon. It's dramatic, full-bodied flavor is packed with blackberries, cherries, currants, and toasted oak. Literally nothing pairs better with chocolate.
And, because of the smooth nature of the wine, there is only choice of chocolate in our house: Mexican Chocolate. The rich spiciness of Mexican chocolate makes the best hot chocolate, with a hint of heat and frothiness. There is only one choice when it comes to Mexican chocolate: Abuelita. A staple of any Hispanic kitchen, it's also perfect for making mole - but it makes hot chocolate taste so much better than any pre-made mix.
I never knew something could be TOO RICH until I tried this combo of chocolate and red wine. But let me tell you... it's SO rich. Like, sip from a cutesy teacup instead of gulping out of a mug. That rich. (Of course, that didn't stop me from drinking a mug full!). This is another reason I love the heat and flavor profile from Abuelita instead of a cocoa powder/sugar mixture. If you are feeling super ambitious, the perfect topping for this holiday drink is homemade marshmallows.
I'm convinced that this drink was created for a girl's night, I mean come on, chocolate and wine? What's not to love?!
Ingredients:
Serves 2-3
1 cup Whole Milk
3/4 cup Red Wine
6 oz Abuelita Mexican Chocolate, chopped finely
1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1. In a sauce pan, heat the milk until simmering. Add chocolate and whisk continuously until chocolate is fully melted.
2. On low heat, stir in red wine and pure vanilla extract.
3. Serve and garnish with a dusting of chocolate flakes or homemade marshmallows.
Super simple and the best way to spice up the holiday season, red wine hot chocolate is definitely the best combo of the year. Play around with different kinds of wine, depending on what flavor profiles you like best. There is literally no wrong way to make this. It was the perfect accompaniment to wedding planning and realizing there is only 2 months until I am a married woman!!!
Xoxo
-K