Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate Recipe

Hot chocolate is the perfect beverage on a cold winter day, especially with a touch of Grand Marnier - add as little or as much as you like!

• Meal Type: Beverage
• Ethnicity: American
• Holiday Category: N/A
• Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup strained fresh orange juice plus 2 (3-inch) strips
•     orange zest removed with a vegetable peeler
• 6 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine, plus,
•     if desired, grated chocolate for garnish
• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier, or to taste
• Whipped heavy cream for garnish if desired

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, stir together the half-and-half, the milk, the orange juice, the zest and a pinch of salt and bring the mixture just to a boil over moderate heat.
2. In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the chopped chocolate and about 2/3 cup of the hot milk mixture until the mixture is smooth and whisk the chocolate mixture into the remaining milk mixture. Simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes, discard the zest, and stir in the Grand Marnier. (For frothy hot chocolate, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.)
3. Divide the hot chocolate among heated mugs and garnish each drink with some of the whipped cream and grated chocolate.