It’s time for another cocktail! I know- we haven’t seen much in the form of solid food on Tokyo Terrace for quite a while. But trust me, more will be coming in the next few days and the wait will be worth it! For the record, this will be cocktail #13. Yep. 13 cocktails in a row.

Did you ever put a candy cane in your hot chocolate when you were a kid? I still like to use a candy cane stir stick in my hot chocolate to get a refreshing peppermint flavor with the rich, warm chocolate. If you want an adult version of peppermint hot chocolate, you have come to the right place! This warming and festive beverage is one that I never miss out on when the holidays are near. Made in Princeton, MN, Phillips Peppermint Schnapps came to be when Al Dorsch, a Phillips salesman, found Minneapolis bar-goers putting peppermints into their whiskey (a little odd if you ask me- but us Minnesotans can be a little kooky at times!) Al then decided to make a liqueur that showcased the flavor of peppermint, which we now know as Peppermint Schnapps.

I love that story, not just because it is on the back of the bottle, but because I can imagine with much clarity those cold Minnesotans sitting at the bar needing something to knock off the chill. Clearly, peppermints in whiskey are the answer, right?

So, from that 1935 discovery by Mr. Dorsch, the modern trend (at least in MN) is to drop a little shot of schnapps into creamy, rich hot chocolate. Wrap your hands around a mug of minty, chocolatey deliciousness this Christmas and become a Minnesotan for a night. Trust me, you’ll love it! I love it so much that I brought my own bottle back to Tokyo from Minnesota last week. Merry Christmas to me!

The hot chocolate is best enjoyed while listening to the album Ella Wishes you a Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald. Happy Holidays everyone!

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
Makes 1 serving

2 oz. good dark chocolate, grated with a microplane
1 cup milk (I recommend using 2%)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 oz peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream
crushed peppermint candy

Heat the milk in a sauce pan over low heat. When the milk is warm, add the chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir or whisk if needed until the chocolate is completely melted. Pour the schnapps into a mug. Pour the hot chocolate from the saucepan into the mug and stir with the schnapps. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy.