Skip to main content
Epicurious

Spiced Hot Chocolate

4.5

(17)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

6 cups whole milk
3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
15 whole cardamom pods, crushed
12 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
2 whole star anise*
3/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring first 9 ingredients to simmer in heavy large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 20 minutes. Add cocoa powder and vanilla. Bring to simmer, whisking until blended. Strain hot chocolate into 8-cup measuring cup; discard spices. Divide hot chocolate among 6 mugs.

  2. Step 2

    *Brown star-shaped seedpods sold at Asian markets and some supermarkets.

TagsHot DrinkBeveragesCardamomHerbs & SpicesNutmegCocoaVanillaCinnamonNut FreeGluten FreeVegetarianEasyQuickSimmerChristmasBon Appétit
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Soy-Glazed Salmon Bowls
Saucy, soy-honey salmon—cut into cubes to speed up the cooking process—makes a savory topping for a quick weeknight bowl.
Cilantro Pesto Pasta
This vibrant cilantro pesto recipe blends blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. Toss with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti pesto.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Grasshopper Brownies
These decadent brownies feature a sweet, minty topping complemented by a rich dark chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for added texture.
Tomato Aguachile
Juicy peak-season tomatoes make the perfect plant-based swap for aguachile.
Sheet-Pan Sausage With Corn, Peach, and Cucumber Salad
This summery sheet-pan dinner celebrates the bounty of the season and couldn't be simpler to make. Chorizo plays nicely with the salad, thanks to its spice.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.