Winter choco-coffee

The Winter choco-coffee is a luscious warm beverage, perfect for cold winter days: an ideal mix of the richness of chocolate and the lively kick of coffee. Here’s how to prepare it with an Italian touch that will enhance its flavor.

Ingredients

• 240 ml of whole milk
• 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
• 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar (depending on your preference for sweetness)
• 30 ml of espresso coffee (or a small cup of very strong coffee)
• Whipped cream, to garnish
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Dark chocolate shavings (to garnish)
• A teaspoon of orange or hazelnut liqueur for an Italian touch (optional)

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat without bringing it to a boil.
2. Add the cocoa powder and sugar to the hot milk, stirring well to avoid any lumps.
3. Prepare the espresso coffee. If you do not have a coffee machine, you can use a very concentrated soluble coffee.
4. Pour the coffee into the serving cup.
5. Add the chocolate milk to the coffee and stir to combine the ingredients.
6. If you wish, you can add a teaspoon of orange or hazelnut liqueur to give an alcoholic twist and enrich the flavor.
7. Garnish with a good dollop of whipped cream.
8. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and dark chocolate shavings on the whipped cream to decorate.
9. Serve immediately while hot.

Sip this winter treat slowly and enjoy the pleasant balance of flavors and the warmth it provides.

Curiosity

The addition of liqueur is not typical of the original recipe, but is an expression of the Italian passion for intense flavors and a touch of creativity. The combination of chocolate and coffee has ancient origins, and every culture has its favored variant. In Italy, especially in the north, it is not uncommon to enjoy versions of hot chocolate enriched with a hint of well-made coffee.