Rebel Float Apple Cider Hot Chocolate (Print View)

Warm hot chocolate blends smoothly with spiced apple cider and whipped cream for a comforting, festive treat.

# Components:

→ Hot Chocolate Base

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

→ Apple Cider Infusion

08 - 2 cups fresh apple cider
09 - 1 cinnamon stick
10 - 2 whole cloves
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Garnishes

12 - 1 cup whipped cream
13 - Ground cinnamon, for dusting
14 - Chocolate shavings (optional)
15 - Thin apple slices (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. Gently heat over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the spices.
02 - In a separate medium saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat gently over medium heat, whisking constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and heated through. Avoid boiling.
03 - Pour 1/2 cup of the infused apple cider into each serving mug. Carefully add the prepared hot chocolate mixture to each mug, filling them nearly to the brim.
04 - Gently stir the cider and hot chocolate together. Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of ground cinnamon, and optional chocolate shavings or thin apple slices.
05 - Serve immediately and savor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have during fall season
  • Impressive enough for holiday entertaining but easy enough for weeknight treats
  • Customizable with adult additions for cocktail hour
02 -
  • Perfect balance of chocolate richness and apple spice
  • Can be prepared up to the assembly stage and finished when guests arrive
  • Excellent source of calcium from dairy ingredients
  • Makes your home smell amazing while preparing
03 -
  • For the most beautiful presentation, use clear glass mugs to showcase the subtle layering effect between the cider and chocolate.
  • Warm your mugs with hot water before assembling the drinks to help maintain the optimal temperature longer.
  • When making for a crowd, prepare both components separately and set up a self serve station where guests can create their own perfect ratio of cider to chocolate.

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