El Guapo™ Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe: The Best Peppermint Cocoa

Looking for the best peppermint hot chocolate recipe? Your search ends here. This simple, elegant, and irresistibly rich El Guapo™ peppermint cocoa is the quintessential holiday treat. Our secret is the unique El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup, which provides a sweet and authentic peppermint flavor without the chalky aftertaste of traditional candies. This recipe delivers a luxurious and comforting mug of cocoa that's perfect for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and can easily be made kid-friendly.

Why This is a Standout El Guapo™ Peppermint Cocoa

The secret to this exceptional peppermint hot chocolate lies in the quality of the ingredients and the simplicity of the method. While other recipes might use crushed candy canes, we’ve found that using El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup provides a consistent, smooth flavor that dissolves perfectly into the hot cocoa. It also allows you to control the level of peppermint flavor with ease. This recipe is more than just a drink; it's a holiday tradition in a mug.

Ingredients 

x The Sauceress

• 4 cups Milk
• 1/3 cup Hot water
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1-2 dashes Salt
• 5 oz El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup
• 4 oz Creme de Cacao
• Melted chocolate, crushed candy canes, and marshmallows, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and hot water.
2. Form a paste. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble and the sugar and cocoa powder are fully dissolved. Continue to stir for two minutes until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
3. Add milk. Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan while whisking. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Heat the cocoa. Continue to simmer until the cocoa is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
5. Finish the drink. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup, and Creme de Cacao. For a stronger drink, you can add an ounce or two of vodka at this point.
6. Prepare the mugs. Dip the rims of your mugs in melted chocolate, then dredge in crushed candy canes. Let them dry for a moment.
7. Serve. Ladle about one cup of hot chocolate into each prepared mug. Garnish with a handful of marshmallows and serve immediately. Cheers!

Tips & Variations

• Make it kid-friendly: Simply omit the Creme de Cacao to make this a delicious non-alcoholic treat for all ages.
• Add more chocolate: For an even richer flavor, stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with the milk.
• Use different milk: This recipe works beautifully with whole milk for a creamy texture, but you can also use dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

 Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder, milk, and sugar, resulting in a thinner drink. Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made from melted solid chocolate, which creates a richer, thicker, and more decadent beverage. This El Guapo™ recipe falls somewhere in between, using cocoa powder but creating a thick, creamy consistency.

Can I use another type of peppermint syrup?

While other syrups may work, we recommend El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup for its authentic and balanced flavor profile, which helps to avoid an overly sweet or artificial taste.

Can I make a large batch of this recipe?

 Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd. Simply maintain the same ingredient ratios and use a larger pot.