Hot Cocoa Corretto
In Italy, un bar (coffee shop) isn’t just for a morning cup of joe. It’s a community meeting place and a spot to get a head start on the night’s festivities with a caffe corretto, or corrected coffee — bolstered with a shot of grappa or brandy in the espresso. For non-coffee drinkers, you can get the same result with this rich, hot cocoa drink instead. Amaretto brings the booze and a complimentary almond flavor. That’s one way to get the night started … or get through the snowy play date.
Directions
Mix the cocoa powder and the salt in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it begins to warm but not bubble, about 5 minutes. Whisk in both chocolates a little at a time to melt completely, 5 to 6 minutes.
Whisk a small amount of the warmed milk into the cocoa powder until smooth. Add the cocoa mixture back into the milk, whisking until incorporated. Let the hot chocolate steam for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, to get it nice and chocolatey and creamy, but do not let it boil. Ladle out about 3/4 cup into a mug and stir in 2 teaspoons of the liqueur.
