Lavender Hot Chocolate recipe
I know this isn’t really a cocktail but it’s bloody freezing, and we’re trying to give our livers a rest this January, so today’s Friday cocktail is my Lavender Hot Chocolate. This is the most comforting, soul soothing drink ever, join me in a mugful, why don’t you.
I loathe bought hot chocolate mix; it’s synthetic, always too sweet and just generally, not very nice. This Lavender Hot Chocolate is none of those things; it’s rich, floral and has wonderful soothing qualities. I love lavender; it reminds me of when the boys were little and I’d put lavender oil in their baths to ensure a drama free nights sleep. This comforting drink has just a hint of floral, it’s not too overwhelming, just a whiff which marries with the rich chocolate and vanilla.
When it’s bloody freezing outside, I crave something delicious to warm my hands on and if it can’t be laced with brandy, then lavender comes a flowery close second.
Culinary lavender is what’s needed here and it’s readily available, so no need to go foraging in the garden. My milk was whole milk, you can use your favourite here, semi skimmed, almond, etc. My chocolate was around 50% cocoa solids, not to sweet, not too bitter. If you use a darker chocolate, you may need a touch of sugar to sweeten your drink.
Make a start with your chosen milk in a jug or pan. Stir in the tablespoon of lavender then heat until just coming up to the simmer on the stove or in the microwave.
Cover with a plate or cling film and leave to cool and infuse for around 20 minutes.
When the time’s up, pour the milk through a fine sieve to remove the lavender, then reheat the milk on the stove or in the microwave until just simmering again.
Take off the heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate or drops with the pinch of salt and the vanilla.
Once your hot chocolate is smooth and everything’s combined, have a little taste to see if you need to add some sugar to taste, then pour into your chosen cups or mugs.
Whip a little double cream and dollop on top of the drink with a good grating of chocolate. Sip and breathe.
These biscuits are double ginger, and coming to LL soon. They’re worth the wait.
Pull a furry blanket over your knees and pour yourself a mug of Lavender Hot Chocolate. Feel chilled whilst it’s chilly.
Lucy x
Lavender Hot Chocolate recipe
Makes 2 big mugs, 4 smaller tea cups
You will just need a jug and pans
500ml milk, mine was whole milk, use your favourite
1 tablespoon culinary dried lavender
100g dark chocolate, nothing too bitter, mine was 50% cocoa solids, chopped or use drops
A pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Light brown sugar, to taste
Whipped double cream and grated chocolate, to serve
Measure the milk into a jug or pan and stir through the dried lavender. Bring up to the simmer in the microwave or on the hob on a low heat. Cover and leave to infuse for around 20 minutes.
Strain the milk, to remove the lavender, into another pan or jug. Bring back up to the simmer then whisk in the chocolate, salt and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Pour into your chosen cups and spoon over a little whipped double cream and top with grated chocolate. Sip and breathe.
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