Delight your family or friends with this Cherry Hot Chocolate's decadent taste and delicious aroma. Our tantalizing recipe combines the rich, creamy taste of chocolate with maraschino cherry juice and a touch of almond and vanilla extract, then topped with Cherry Whipped Cream for the perfect finishing. We guarantee it will become your new favorite way to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!
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What is Cherry Hot Chocolate?
Cherry hot chocolate is a delicious and indulgent beverage that combines hot chocolate's flavors with cherries' fruity sweetness. It typically consists of hot chocolate made by mixing cocoa powder or chocolate with hot milk, and then cherry flavoring or cherry syrup is added to give it a cherry twist. Some recipes may also include actual cherries or cherry juice for added flavor.
Cherry Hot Chocolate Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Cherry Hot Chocolate:
- Whole Milk: Provides the creamy base for the hot chocolate.
- Evaporated Milk or Half and Half: Adds richness and creaminess to the hot chocolate.
- Flavored Syrup from Maraschino Cherries: Infuses the hot chocolate with a cherry flavor and sweetness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa: Gives the hot chocolate its chocolatey flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the hot chocolate. The quantity can be adjusted to taste.
- Pure Almond Extract: Adds a subtle almond flavor to the hot chocolate.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the hot chocolate.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the hot chocolate.
For the Cherry Whipped Cream:
- Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the whipped cream, providing richness and a smooth texture.
- Confectioners Sugar or Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it.
- Pure Almond Extract: Imparts an almond flavor to the whipped cream.
- Maraschino Cherries Syrup: Adds a cherry flavor to the whipped cream, complementing the cherry theme of the recipe.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Cherry Hot Chocolate
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Whisk together the milk, evaporated milk, syrup, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan until well combined. Bring to just below a boil over medium-high heat, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the almond and vanilla extract. Serve with whipped cream in each cup. Enjoy our Cherry Hot Chocolate!
How to Make Cherry-Whipped Cream
Place the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sugar, syrup, and pure almond extract and beat medium-high until it forms soft peaks.
Substitutions
- Milk: You can use any or non-dairy milk, such as soy, almond, oat, or coconut, instead of whole milk. Remember that full-fat milk will make the hot chocolate creamier and richer.
- Evaporated Milk: You can substitute evaporated milk with half and half or regular milk. Hot chocolate may be less rich and creamy than regular milk, but it will still taste delicious.
- Maraschino Cherry Syrup: If you don't have Maraschino cherry syrup, you can use grenadine or any other fruit syrup to add a fruity twist to the hot chocolate.
- Light Brown Sugar: You can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar or any other sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: You can use any type of cocoa powder, such as Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder, as a substitute.
Variations
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and cinnamon to the recipe for a spicy twist.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the recipe to give it a refreshing and minty flavor.
- Nutella Hot Chocolate: Replace the unsweetened cocoa powder with Nutella hazelnut spread for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the whipped cream for a sweet and salty combination.
- White Hot Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate to create a creamy and sweet hot chocolate.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of espresso to the recipe to create a delicious mocha-flavored hot chocolate.
How to Serve
Cherry Hot Chocolate is best served hot and topped with a dollop of Cherry Whipped Cream. You can also garnish it with white chocolate shavings, chocolate chunks, or cut-up maraschino cherries, or sprinkle it with cinnamon or nutmeg to add extra flavor and texture.
Serve it in mugs and enjoy it with your loved ones in the cold winter. It also makes a perfect dessert drink for holiday parties and gatherings. It can be paired with Cornbread Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Coconut Cake, Mini Irish Soda Bread, and Irish Soda Bread.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Refrigerate the Cherry Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To reheat: In a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
Make-Ahead
Cherry Hot Chocolate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated, but do not boil it. Then, top it with the Cherry Whipped Cream and any additional toppings you desire, such as white chocolate shavings or cut-up maraschino cherries. This makes it a convenient option for holiday parties or gatherings, as you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when your guests arrive.
How to Freeze
While Cherry Hot Chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it is not recommended to freeze it because it contains dairy and whipped cream, which can affect its texture and taste. Freezing may cause the liquid to separate, and the whipped cream may become watery and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the Cherry Whipped Cream separately for up to a month in an airtight container. Then, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it to top the hot chocolate. This ensures that the whipped cream maintains its texture and taste.
Tips for Making The Best Cherry Hot Chocolate
- Use good-quality ingredients: To get the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder, Maraschino cherry syrup, and milk.
- Heat the milk slowly: Heat it slowly over medium heat and avoid boiling it, as this can cause the milk to scorch and affect the taste of the hot chocolate.
- Add the extracts last: Add the almond and vanilla extracts after removing the hot chocolate from the heat to preserve their flavors.
- Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your desired level of sweetness.
- Top it with whipped cream: Homemade Cherry Whipped Cream adds a fruity twist to the hot chocolate and makes a perfect topping.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to add flavor to your hot chocolate.
- Garnish it with toppings: Garnish your Cherry Hot Chocolate with white chocolate shavings, chocolate chunks, and cut-up maraschino cherries, or sprinkle it with cinnamon or nutmeg to add extra flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I make Cherry Hot Chocolate with dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
You can use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder to make Cherry Hot Chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, then add it to the milk and Maraschino cherry syrup.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of Maraschino cherry syrup?
While Maraschino cherry syrup adds a distinct flavor to Cherry Hot Chocolate, you can use frozen cherries instead. Blend the frozen cherries with a little water or juice to create a syrup, then use it in place of the Maraschino cherry syrup.
Can I use whipped cream from a can instead of homemade Cherry Whipped Cream?
While homemade Cherry Whipped Cream is recommended for the best flavor, you can use whipped cream from a can as a substitute.
Can I make Cherry Hot Chocolate without milk?
You can make Cherry Hot Chocolate without milk using a non-dairy substitute, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Can I make Cherry Hot Chocolate in a slow cooker?
You can make Cherry Hot Chocolate in a slow cooker by combining all the ingredients and cooking on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Related Recipes
- White Chocolate Mocha
- Instant Cappuccino Mix
- Quick 2 Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Mexican Hot Cocoa
- Easy 3 Ingredient Mate Cocido
- Coffee Cremoso
- Affogato
Recipe
Easy Cherry Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Cherry Hot Chocolate:
- 5-½ cups whole milk
- 1-½ cups evaporated milk or half and half
- 1 cup Flavored syrup from Maraschino Cherries
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
- ½ cup light brown sugar , adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cherry Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream , cold
- ¼ cup confections sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 3 tablespoons Maraschino Cherries syrup
Instructions
For the Cherry Whipped cream:
- Place the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sugar, syrup, vanilla and almond extract and beat medium-high until it forms soft peaks.
For the Cherry Hot Chocolate:
- Whisk together the milk, evaporated milk, syrup, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan until well combined. Bring to just below a boil over medium-high heat, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond extract and vanilla. Serve with whipped cream in each cup. Enjoy our Cherry Hot Chocolate!
Notes
- To store: Refrigerate the Cherry Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: In a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
- You can use any milk or non-dairy you want. However, full-fat dairy makes it a richer and creamier Cherry Hot Chocolate.
- This recipe also works well with any chocolate powder mix.
- Topping Ideas: Whipped cream, marshmallows, white chocolate shavings or chocolate chunks, peppermint, cut-up maraschino cherry, etc.
- Refrigerate the Cherry Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.