Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with our Lemon Lavender Hot Chocolate! This enchanting beverage combines the rich, creamy goodness of hot chocolate with the refreshing brightness of lemon and the floral notes of lavender, creating an irresistible treat that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a unique dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Ready to elevate your hot chocolate game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring a touch of magic to your cup!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of milk (or your preferred non-dairy alternative), 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried lavender, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Make sure you also have whipped cream ready for topping.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and dried lavender. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps. If you are using a non-dairy alternative, this step works the same way. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk the mixture occasionally as it heats up. You want to warm it gently without bringing it to a boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching.
- Once the hot chocolate is steaming and hot (but not boiling), add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to incorporate these flavors into the mixture.
- After the hot chocolate is heated through and the flavors are blended, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit for a minute to cool slightly.
- Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs, dividing it evenly. You can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer to remove any lavender bits, but this is optional.
- Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few dried lavender buds or a bit of lemon zest on top of the whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful Lemon Lavender Hot Chocolate!
Tips
- Choose Your Milk Wisely: For a creamier texture, opt for whole milk or a rich non-dairy alternative like oat milk. Almond milk can also work, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Fresh vs. Dried Lavender: If you can find culinary-grade fresh lavender, feel free to use it instead of dried. Just remember that fresh lavender is more potent, so use about half the amount.
- Strain for Smoothness: If you prefer a silky-smooth drink, strain the hot chocolate through a fine mesh sieve after heating to remove any lavender bits.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste! If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more sugar, or try using honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with lemon zest, a sprinkle of dried lavender, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and reheat it gently before serving. Just add the lemon juice and zest right before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors! A dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can add an extra layer of warmth to your drink.Enjoy crafting this delightful Lemon Lavender Hot Chocolate and savor every sip of its unique blend of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
