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The Best Recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate With Red Wine
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A cocktail that doubles as dessert? We’re in. This recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate with Red Wine is so incredible, we can’t think of a better reason to toast marshmallows. It’s from our friends at California Wines – and they know a thing or two about wine cocktails!
This inviting, toasty adults-only cocoa is made with a bottle of fruit-forward California red wine, like Merlot or Zinfandel. It can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, so you can choose the wine and the method that suit you best. Use dairy, almond, or coconut milk to truly make it your own.
What wine is best for making homemade hot chocolate with red wine?
Why Merlot or Zinfandel? Well, they’re food-friendly varietals that can stand out in a crowd (or a hot chocolate recipe.)
California Merlot is known for being luscious and approachable, but the right bottle can go glass-to-glass with the biggest, boldest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bold and rambunctious, Zinfandel can take your palate on an odyssey of flavor, from raspberry to black pepper, cloves, and licorice.
One of our oldest and most revered vines, it’s known as both California’s signature grape and America’s Heritage Grape. You can learn more about the wines made in the Golden State on the California Wines website here.
Now, about that hot chocolate…
California Wines suggest that you serve their recipe for homemade hot chocolate alongside fresh California Walnuts for cracking. Seems like the perfect pairing to us. Plus the marshmallows, of course.
When you make this recipe for homemade hot chocolate, be sure to tag us on Instagram at @cagrownofficial and use #CAGROWN
Recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate with Red Wine
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark or semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 5 cups whole milk or almond or coconut
- 1 750- ml bottle fruit-forward California red wine such as Merlot or Zinfandel
- Marshmallows or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Whisk the chocolate chips, brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, salt and milk together in a slow cooker set on high. Cover and allow to come to temperature (10-15 minutes), then whisk again and add wine. Cook on high for one hour, stopping to whisk every 20 minutes.
- Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows and enjoy.
Stovetop Method:
- Whisk the chocolate chips, brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and salt together in a large saucepan or stockpot. Add milk and bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat, whisking often. Once hot chocolate is blended and smooth (about 8-10 minutes), reduce to low heat and add wine. Cook for 5 minutes more. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows and enjoy.
Notes
Recipe by K.C. Cornwell for California Wines. See more of K.C.’s work on her blog G-Free Foodie
Red Wine Hot Chocolate Photos by Meg van der Kruik. See more of Meg’s work on her blog This Mess Is Ours
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For this pumpkin spice-inspired version from This Mess is Ours, she opted for a nice buttery Chardonnay.
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Hot buttered rum contains a variety of spices that are combined to create a warm and inviting flavor that’s ideal for the winter months. Be sure to look for butter with the Real CA Milk seal!
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Our easy recipe for Mulled Wine was inspired by Vin Brulé – a popular spiced wine recipe served in Italy. Make mulled red wine and let us know what you think!