We’re all about embracing red this month and when we think red, there is one dessert that comes to mind. Red velvet cake. Yes, it’s just chocolate with a load of food colouring, but there is something a little charming about it, just right for a Red Issue cocktail!

We have a classic hot chocolate recipe we love to use here at Polka Dot Wedding. It’s decadent, it’s delicious and it never fails. This time, we’ve amped up the chocolate factor with a little creme de cacao. The amaretto adds a delish nutty, subtle twist.

And of course, while the hot chocolate is what this is all about, it’s actually the cream cheese whipped cream that not only makes this cocktail red velvet, but makes it totally delicious. Why have I never tried this combination before?

We’ve opted out of the food colouring for this cocktail, but if you want to make it “true” red velvet, be sure to add it into your hot chocolate for your classic red velvet hue.

This one is a must-make for your next indulgent night in, but also? Consider serving it on arrival at your winter wedding to get the party started early.

Ingredients (makes two)

Hot Chocolate

  • 2/3 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 40ml creme de cacao
  • 20ml amaretto

Cream cheese whipped cream

  • 1 cup double cream
  • 1 teaspoon caster sugar
  • 100g cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • Shaved chocolate/ red sprinkles to garnish

Method

Hot chocolate

  1. In an ovenproof bowl over a saucepan of water, melt chocolate chips with milk and vanilla bean paste, whisking to remove lumps and create a smooth liquid consistency.
  2. Take off the stove and whisk in creme de cacao and amaretto.

Cream cheese whipped cream

  1. In a bowl, combine double cream, cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and sugar.
  2. Whip with a hand blender or whisk, until cream, vanilla paste, sugar and cream cheese combine with no lumps and forms stiff peaks.

Pour your hot chocolate into your mug and top with your whipped cream mix. Top with red sprinkles and shaved chocolate. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe and image by Polka Dot Wedding