Creamy Lavender Hot Chocolate
Make this creamy and rich lavender hot chocolate that is perfect for sipping on cold days.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Metal or wooden mixing spoon
- 1 Set of measuring cups
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 Medium sauce pan
- 1 Metal mesh sieve
- 1 Airtight container for storing any left over mix
- 1 Funnel Optional, to use if storing or gifting the hot chocolate mix.
- 1 set of glass mason jars optional, if gifting the hot chocolate mix.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Whole Milk Can sub with nut or oat milk
- 1 cup Half and Half Can sub with heavy whipping cream, or for a vegan option, coconut cream
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- 10 ounces milk or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour the milk and half-and-half into a medium saucepan along with the dried lavender, and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the dairy and lavender infuse for 30 minutes.
- While the milk is diffusing, combine the sugar, a pinch of salt, cocoa powder, and chocolate pieces in a mixing bowl.
- Strain the milk and half and half in a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Return the milk to the medium saucepan and bring the liquid to a very low simmer once again.
- Turn off the stove and spoon in small amounts of the dry ingredients and stir continuously, working the dry ingredients into the milk until they are well incorporated.
- Add in the vanilla extract and whisk everything together until the lavender hot chocolate is smooth.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Notes
- This hot chocolate will be richer and creamier than traditional hot chocolate, so a little goes a long way. Offer half a cup (4 ounces) to start, and add 4 ounces if you feel you want more.
- If lavender isn't your thing, this recipe will work well with dried culinary rose buds, cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Make the recipe vegan by using nut or oat milks in place of the dairy milk and half and half. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and top with coconut cream.