For very many years I only associated tequila with bad margaritas or single shots taken quickly and finished with a lick of salt off of my hand followed by sucking on a wedge of lime (oh yes I did!). About a decade ago I was schooled a bit about the value of aging and discovered the beauty of Reposado and Anejo tequilas. I began making my favorite margaritas and enjoyed good sipping tequila. It was a great lesson learned and those cocktails were good…but that was it, that was all tequila was good for, right?
Absolutely not! Last year I made a warm coffee cocktail that was spiked with tequila and Kahlau and it was so good. I think using tequila typically in conjunction with citrus has too often limited our imaginations when thinking about possibilities. Used in a cocktail like this one the effect is warming and rich and wonderful. You have to promise to try it so you can also enjoy how good it is!
I feel most fortunate to have developed relationships with some brands both new and previously unfamiliar that help to support this weekly effort by providing me with the adult beverages I need to do a cocktail each week. The best part might be trying something new and this tequila is a keeper. Peligroso Tequila is is a rare, 84 proof ultra premium Tequila from agave that is grown on an estate in Jalisco, Mexico. Their Silver tequila is just barely aged so not as smooth as a Reposado would be so I thought it would be perfect blended in this cocktail…a hot chocolate made from milk, Ibarra; a Mexican chocolate bar with cinnamon that is perfect for hot chocolate and the addition of Scharffenberger Natural Cocoa Powder that I thought would really up the chocolate factor; making it an even richer component.
We had some snow last night in Denver; fall here is as wacky as spring! 80 degrees one day; snow the next before all the leaves have turned and fallen! I’m going to try and survive…and this cocktail is going to help!
A wonderful and warming cocktail for fall and winter.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Milk (I used 1% and it was good)
- 1 and 1/2 bars Ibarra chocolate; broken into chunks
- 6 Tbsp Scharffenberger Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tbsp Cane Sugar
- 1/8 - 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (start with 1/8 tsp and season to taste)
- 4 ozs Tequila
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Ground Cinnamon for Garnish
Preparation
- Warm the milk in a medium size heavy saucepan on medium heat, watching carefully.
- Add the Ibarra chocolate, the cocoa powder and the sugar.
- Heat until the chocolate dissolves, whisking to combine all ingredients.
- Season with the cayenne pepper. Start with 1/8 teaspoon and season to your taste.
- Pour the warm milk into 2 large mugs and add 2 oz of tequila.
- Top with whipping cream; sprinkle whipping cream with cinnamon.
Warm and while I can’t exactly say nourishing…it sure feels good!!
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Chocolate, peppers, cinnamon and tequila are a fantastic combo! I make a pie that is very similar – The New Mexican Hot Chocolate Pie. [ http://tequilatracker.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/tequila-chocolate-and-a-taste-of-new-mexico/ ]. If you don’t want to jump straight into the deep end with straight tequila, try using 1921 Tequila Cream. Think Bailey’s, but done with tequila – absolutely wonderful. Cheers!
Bob Most Recent Post: What’s Your Definition of a “Great” Tequila Bar?
Oh this would be right up my alley; something I’ve thought of even since I LOVE that hot chocolate and also a pie called a French Silk pie; sort of wanted to combine the two. I’ll let you know when I do! Wish I had some right this moment.
Fabulous!! I am making it this week, not kidding you.
Pola (Jetting Around) Most Recent Post: Photo Focus: San Diego Bay
I hope you do…it’s great. I have another wonderful, hot tequila drink coming this Friday; would be hard pressed to choose my favorite from the two of them!
Hi! I’m making this mix for a bunch of friends for Christmas. Sorry, for being dense, but when you say “1 1/2 bars Ibarra chcolate” are you counting a disc as a bar? Or one wedge as a bar? Thanks for the clarification!
Yes Marilla, that’s exactly what I did. One disc is a bar so it would be 1 and 1/2 bars. Be prepared…this is amazing!! Enjoy…Barb
I adore a mexican hot chocolate. I even have one of those new coffee machines and the first thing I brewed was the hot cocoa with a dash of cinnamon and cayenne. I’m starting to think I should have added some tequila to watch the election returns last night!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos Most Recent Post: Secret Recipe Club: Iced Cinnamon Mocha Frappe
Heck, you are almost there. This is so hard to describe; I think mostly because we bring the citrusy notes we so associate tequila with into the chocolate? I did a Mexican coffee last year and that was the first step in my hot beverage with tequila education…makes it just that much warmer in a very good way!
LOL!!! My best friend loved tequila shots, but has since stopped that love….she has bad memories LOL! BUT the funny part, she thinks tequila shots taste delicious, I could never understand that:-) I do have to say, I love tequila mixed in delicious drinks, especially this lovely drink! Your addition of cayenne pepper sounds awesome! Hugs, Terra
My daughter came over to try one the other night; she had to try it to get it. It’s not like it doesn’t taste like there is no alcohol but the tequila and cayenne just serve to bring some warmth to the chocolate; some amazing warmth. I’m betting your friend could drink this and start new memories! Hugs back at ya!
Where did you get that glass..??
I was sent a box full of goodies to stage a summer picnic and the stuff came from a couple of places. I’m thinking it was Crate and Barrel that sent the mug glasses with handles. I’ve used Mason jars before too but without handles. Truth be told…so wish I had shot the other, plain side. Just one of those moments when I didn’t see the rooster/country thing in the process! I just found these at Pottery Barn; maybe they’ll work for you?
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mason-jar-mug/?pkey=cbarware
Over the weekend I had a chocolate chilli mousse type dessert and wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it but I did. I’ll tackle your hot chocolate next.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef Most Recent Post: The Human Brochure
Sort of amazing how they are together isn’t it. Unexpected but I think a true marriage that was meant to be.
I adore those chocolate disks and I’m thinking that I’ll adore this as well—lovely spice/heat/chocolate! =)
The Squishy Monster Most Recent Post: Weekend Bites
Chocolate, tequila, AND cayenne??!!! I knew I loved you for a reason! :)
Rachael {SimplyFreshCooking} Most Recent Post: Apples and Peanut Butter with Toasted Whole Wheat Berry Flakes & Flaxseed
I came across your site from “Miss Bee’s Haven” and I’m so glad I did! Can’t wait to mix up some of these delicious looking drinks! But for now I have to move on to the appitzer section :)
Good Work!
Connie M
A cool weather treat I can get behind!
Matt mmWine Horbund Most Recent Post: Oregon Photo Recap… and Who Won The Harry and David Basket
chocolate is my favorite, but this tequila chocolate recipe is really heat my body :). It help me to pass the cold of night :)
That sounds and looks very tempting. I need to keep that in mind.
Chris Most Recent Post: The Marzipator strikes back – Dorset Apple Cake with Marzipan
We had a few days of late with wonderfully warm temps (for our area at this time of year) but we know it isn’t going to last. Before we know it we will wake up to a scene like you have photographed here.
I’ll have to remember this tequila hot cocoa when the wind and snow are howling outside. Looks like the perfect drink to cozy up around a hot fire with.
Paula Most Recent Post: Halloween Hooters
all i can say is YYYUUUMMMM
Oh my. This recipe is Trouble. The best kind.
Lynda Most Recent Post: Spaghetti Bolognese
Yes, you have elevated even the simple hot chocolate with your addition of tequila and your beautiful photos! I would buy that Tequila simply for its name: Peligroso! Next time I have tequila at home I’ll have to give this a try.
Holly Most Recent Post: Chicken Tinga, adapted from Muy Bueno
It is SO good Holly…I think it’s about time for another girls nite…this time with a warm cocktail!
Peligroso was my favorite word while backpacking through Mexico last December…
these look beautiful and sound perfect!
Kristina Most Recent Post: salted caramel milkshake [homemade Baileys recipe]
I had not heard of it before until they asked me to try it..a very nice tequila and yes, these are soooo good. Tossup tonight. Caramel apple cocktail or hot chocolate with tequila. Decisions, decisions! :)
Nifty drink! A kicked-up hot chocolate. It might be fun to try this with brandy also (the flavors remind me a bit of a Brandy Alexander).
kitchenriffs Most Recent Post: Easy and Quick Roast Chicken
I haven’t had one of those in a long time but they are on my list to make; I do have fond memories at least!
Jealous :) this looks incredible, of course I would omit the Caynenne, but still amazing!
Wendy Read Most Recent Post: Rustic Apple Cake featuring Sunchowder’s Apple Butter
all of a sudden its starting to get so cold here in Dallas, I could totally use this right now!!!
It’s too cold too soon…I’m expecting a warming trend; there has to be, right?
Barbara – seems like you are getting similar weather to us down here – just in reverse. These hot chocolates look very warming and I love the little jugs you’ve found. Not too sure about tequila, though – I had a nasty brush with it once in my late teens and have avoided it ever since.
Amanda Most Recent Post: An Interview with a Cook as Delightful as Her Books – Tessa Kiros
I’m betting if you tried a better brand and didn’t over-imbibe it might be a totally different experience? The stuff I tried when I was younger I wouldn’t think of drinking today…harsh is the word and good tequila really isn’t.
Um, yes please!! What a fabulous idea!!
RavieNomNoms Most Recent Post: Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats