Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Eggnog has a distinct flavor made up of eggs, vanilla and nutmeg that I closely associate with the Christmas holiday season. At this time of year, there are plenty of eggnog goodies to be found, from Eggnog Pie to Eggnog Panna Cotta. One place I don’t usually see eggnog is paired with chocolate. Perhaps people think that chocolate might overpower the flavor of the ‘nog, but I think that the ultra-creamy texture of eggnog is a great match for chocolate – and one sip of this Eggnog Hot Chocolate and I think you’ll agree.

Storebought eggnog is the easiest base to use for this holiday hot chocolate. You can use homemade eggnog, but if you do, be sure that you are using a cooked eggnog recipe. The only problem with storebought ‘nog is that it can be a little bit on the bland side. I always add vanilla and freshly grated nutmeg to my eggnog and I do the same thing with this hot chocolate. I also used cocoa powder and sugar to give it a chocolate flavor, but you can actually use a few tablespoons of your favorite hot chocolate mix as an easy alternative.

You can serve this hot chocolate as-is, or top it off with a little bit of whipped cream. I usually grate a little bit more nutmeg on top of the whipped cream so that you can really smell it as you take a sip, but chocolate shavings would give the drink a nice finishing touch, as well.

Eggnog Hot Chocolate
8-oz prepared eggnog
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2-3 tbsp sugar, or to taste
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
lightly sweetened whipped cream, for topping

In a large measuring cup or a small saucepan, heat eggnog until very hot (in the microwave or over medium heat on the stove top). Add in cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Stir until sugar and cocoa powder are completely dissolved.
Pour into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Serves 1.