Combining Green Chartreuse and hot chocolate may seem like an odd pairing. It’s definitely one that you have to experience firsthand before you can understand how complementary the flavor profiles are. The bold flavors of the 55% ABV Chartreuse easily stand up to the complexity of quality chocolate in this homemade hot cocoa.
I’ve never found an official name for this drink despite reading that it’s a common preparation in the French Alps (Chartreuse is a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks). I have found references to cocktails that feature this Chartreuse and chocolate combination in articles written by industry leaders such as Paul Clarke and Camper English, yet there is no standard name to my knowledge. The official Chartreuse site simply refers to it as “Green Chaud Green Hot“.
In this version, I prefer to include some Kirshwasser (aka, kirsch) which is a clear German-style cherry brandy. Kirschwasser has a dry earthy flavor that’s derived from distilling the cherries with the seeds (stones) inside. I would compare the cherry notes of Kirsch to those found in Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, except without any of the sweetness.
I also like to garnish it with mint chocolate chip marshmallows. Not only does their green tint allude to the Green Chartreuse’s color, but mint is also a dominant flavor of the green liqueur.
While this drink is an excellent choice for winter, it works just as well in an iced version! Simply chill the hot chocolate after making it, then combine it with the Green Chartreuse and Kirschwasser in a rocks glass filled with ice.
Cheers!
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Hot Chocolate with Green Chartreuse and Kirschwasser
Green Chartreuse perfectly compliments this rich homemade hot chocolate. The green mint chocolate chip marshmallows also perfectly tie together the green theme as a garnish.
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 6½ oz. hot chocolate homemade preferred
- ¾ oz. Green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz. Clear Creek Kirschwasser
- mint chocolate chip marshmallows (garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Green Chartreuse and Kirschwasser in a glass.
- Add hot chocolate and garnish with mint chocolate chip marshmallows.
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 8 oz. whole milk
- 1½ oz. heavy cream
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. 60% bittersweet cacao chips
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 pinches of salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium low heat until chocolate chips are melted and ingredients are heated and combined.
Notes
This recipe makes two servings of hot chocolate.
Use caution when heating. Too high of a temperature will cause the milk and chocolate to burn. Gently stir while melting.
