Buttered Rum Hot Chocolate

over head shot of a white mug of hot chocolate on a whote board surrounded by candles and twinkle lights

Decadent, sweet, and a touch boozy, this is Christmas in a cup.

by Erin Henderson

I only make this hot chocolate a few times a year.

Christmas is one of those times. 

This deeply decadent blend of good quality chocolate, premium rum and sweet cream demands an occasion – something celebratory and indulgent – and in return in lavishes your guests with hedonistic pleasure that's best kept on a short leash, lest things get out of hand. 

Your next read: How to Make a Hot Toddy

Buttered Rum Hot Chocolate

I find this so decadently over-the-top a small espresso cup is all I need. However, if you're up for the challenge, break out your morning coffee mug for a full-throttle chocolate fix. Just don't say I didn't warn you. 

You can also swap out the rum for coffee or almond liqueur, or leave out the booze entirely. 

Makes: about 8 espresso-sized cups or about 4 coffee-sized mugs
Bartender level: easy-moderate

Ingredients:
  • 90 grams/3 oz good-quality dark chocolate (I used 80%)
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1½ cups water
  • ½ cup spiced rum
  • ½ cup whipping cream
How to Make It:
  1. Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a pot. Place a glass bowl, being sure the bowl does not touch the water, over top.
  2. Put chocolate into the bowl and allow to melt.
  3. Stir in the the butter to the melted chocolate.
  4. Add the sugar and salt stirring well to incorporate and loose the "grainy" texture.
  5. Bring the 1.5 cups of water to a boil in another pot, remove from heat and allow to cool a minute.
  6. When no longer ferociously bubbling, pour the rum into the water.
  7. Pour in the warm, melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
  8. Pour in milk and stir.
  9. Serve immediately or keep over a very low flame so guests can serve themselves.

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