Description
Indulge in this luxurious Red Velvet Hot Chocolate, a decadent twist on classic hot cocoa. Combining rich bittersweet chocolate with creamy milk and a vibrant touch of red food coloring, this cozy drink is topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and festive red sanding sugar. Perfect for a festive treat or comforting evening beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring (adjust to desired color)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red sanding sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the dairy mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy whipping cream. Warm the mixture gently until it is hot but not boiling, preparing it as the base for the hot chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate: Gradually add 1 cup chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate to the hot milk and cream mixture, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add color and flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the hot chocolate mixture. Continue adding food coloring as needed to achieve the perfect vibrant red color.
- Whip the topping: In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a lush whipped cream topping.
- Serve: Pour the red velvet hot chocolate into serving mugs. Top each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon red sanding sugar for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best rich cocoa flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring to reach your desired shade of red without affecting taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy hot, creamy texture and fresh whipped cream topping.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Red sanding sugar adds a festive sparkle, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet, Hot Chocolate, Holiday Drinks, Chocolate Beverage, Festive Drinks, Whipped Cream Topping
