Grown-Up Cherry Hot Chocolate

Hey, y’all! That’s my southern influence showing. Those of you who know me or who have been following know that I grew up in Canada but I have since been transplanted to the south. While I love all this Southern Comfort food, today, I want to talk to you about one of my Canadian favourites, Grown-Up Cherry Hot Chocolate.

Growing up in Northwestern Ontario, we spent nearly every weekend at the cabin. And every morning my dad would make special hot chocolate. It was usually Swiss Miss mixed with boiling water and slightly cooled off with Carnation evaporated milk. This was a must and still the stuff my dreams are made of. I’m not a fan of coffee, hot chocolate is my go-to.

As an adult, I don’t often indulge in the evaporate milk anymore. Honestly, I feel I’ve graduated to more grown-up versions. You know boozy hot chocolates. Lots of folks go for shots of Baileys, Kahlua or Peppermint Schnapps, but my favourite is Amaretto. I love the combo of chocolate and cherries. Granted Amaretto is almond and not cherry, but I find the two almost interchangeable.

Every once in a while, on a weekend, when I want to kick-start my morning I add a little amaretto to my hot chocolate, because, really what’s better than cherries and chocolate? It’s pretty darn tasty. But, then top it with a cherry swirled whipped cream and it’s next level good! Here’s how to jazz up your Saturday mornings with my favourite Grown-Up Cherry Hot Chocolate.

How to make Grown-Up Cherry Hot Chocolate

First I start by making the whipped cream. Mix the heavy whipping cream with icing sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the cherry jam until smooth. I like to start mixing the jam to break it up a bit, I find this makes it a little easier to fold it into the whipped cream. You may need to thin the jam out with a bit of water.

I’ve seen some recipes where they’ve actually taken the pits from fresh cherries and let them soak in the cream for a day. I think this would be delicious, but it’s November, which means no fresh cherries. But, this summer when the cherries are back in full bloom, it’s on! But for now, this is my substitute and it’s delicious. And I love the little ripple of red and the surprise chunks of cherry that come through from the jam.

For the hot chocolate, I still use our family favourite recipe, as in Swiss Miss powdered hot chocolate mix, but feel free to use whatever version you like best. And make it accordingly. Stir in a shot of Amaretto and then top with a heaping dollop of cherry swirled whipped cream.

With the holidays in full swing, this will be the perfect way to start your mornings. Who doesn’t like a boozy kick with breakfast when you’re on vacation? I should mention this is also pretty tasty as an afternoon pick me up as well. Whenever you indulge in your hot chocolate, I hope this version becomes a favourite.

Fan of Grown-Up Cherry Hot Chocolate? Check out these other delicious drink recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:

• Dutch Apple Pie Milkshakes
• Boozy Cream Soda Floats
• Don’s Famous Caesars

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If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!

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