It doesn’t get more classic (or, alternatively, basic) than a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. And there’s a reason: it’s delicious and warming and probably the most festive thing ever. In other words, we’ll drink our hot chocolate and we’ll love it and we won’t give a shit if it’s basic. But it’s all the better when you can add a little something-something (read: Grand Marnier) to spice it up a bit. And it you want to get really fancy, like New York’s Maman, you add some lavender, too. Now that’s festive.
— Maman's Spiked Lavender —
Hot Chocolate
12 oz. milk (almond, soy, whole or skim—whatever you like!)
3 tbsp. rich hot chocolate powder, or 2-3 g of chopped chocolate, or a Maman hot chocolate stick
Nickel-sized amount of dried lavender
1 oz. Grand Marnier
Whipped cream as desired
one >> In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in milk and crush lavender with your fingertips into the milk. Heat mixture together and stir.
two >> Add in chocolate (powder or chocolate) and boil until combined and smooth.
three >> In your favorite mug, pour the Grand Marnier, and using a small strainer to catch the lavender pieces, pour hot chocolate mixture into mug.
four >> Top with whipped cream and enjoy!