Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

There is one thing I cannot resist every time the holidays come around, and that is Starbuck's Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. The blend of their Signature hot chocolate (combining three types of chocolate), toffee flavored syrup, whipped cream piped on top and drizzled with caramel syrup lightly dusted with a smokey sea salt makes my holidays complete. And if the barista EVER asks if the lack of salt will be a problem, vehemently say YES! Why? Because while the general taste of the salted caramel and chocolate will be present, the salt adds a smoky flavor that cannot be replicated, bringing out the sweetness of the chocolate, blending together a rich flavor that shouts of comfort and decadence.

While in England and on Sint Maarten, Starbucks was not a daily occurrence. In fact, it barely existed in the former and not at all in the latter. So I went searching for a replacement. While there are no pictures, just imagine the lusciousness to come.

Starbucks' Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

(with chocolate - this recipe is richer)
2 cups milk (I use 2% generally but whatever is your favorite)
3 oz of semisweet chocolate
1 oz milk chocolate
2 tsp of sugar (to taste)
Caramel (homemade or storebought)
Whipped cream (homemade or storebought)
Flaked sea salt (not regular table salt)

In a saucepan, combine milk, chocolate and sugar. Heat and whisk to combine until the chocolate is completely melted. Pour into two mugs, top with whipped cream. Drizzle caramel over the top and dust with a sprinkling of sea salt.

For a recipe that does not require chocolate, you may use the following recipe for hot cocoa. This is not as rich as the one above.

(with cocoa powder)
3/4 cup milk
1 tbl cocoa powder (use something good)
1 tbl of sugar
2 tbls of milk or cream
Toppings as above

 In a small mug or bowl, make a paste using the cocoa, sugar and cream. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling. Take a whisk and combine the paste with the hot milk, whisking until frothy and combined. Pour into a mug and top as above. :) Makes a single serving.

So if you're somewhere over the rainbow, in a land that doesn't serve salted caramel drinks, make this and feel the warmth spread through your body.