Ingredients
1/4 c. water
3 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin powder (from 1 1/2 packets)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/3 c. (40 g.) powdered sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
Cooking spray
1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar
1/3 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. Kahlúa
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 c. whole or nut milk, divided
4 oz. (1/4 c.) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. bourbon whiskey
2 tbsp. Kahlúa
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Preparation
Step 1In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk water, gelatin, and salt to combine. Let bloom 10 minutes.Step 2Meanwhile, into a small bowl, sift powdered sugar and cornstarch. Grease an 8" square pan with cooking spray. Dust pan with powdered sugar mixture, pouring any excess into another small bowl.Step 3In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and Kahlúa. Cook, undisturbed, until an instant-read thermometer registers 240°. Remove from heat. Step 4Beat gelatin mixture on medium speed and slowly stream hot sugar syrup into bowl. Increase speed to medium-high and continue to beat until mixture is fluffy and airy, about 12 minutes. Grease a rubber spatula and offset spatula with cooking spray.Step 5Using rubber spatula, quickly transfer mixture to prepared pan. Spread with offset spatula to smooth into an even layer. Let marshmallows set at least 3 hours or up to 6.Step 6Dust a knife or cookie cutter with reserved powdered sugar mixture. Cut marshmallows into desired shapes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
Step 1In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk cocoa powder and 1/4 cup milk until combined, then whisk in remaining 2 3/4 cups milk. Once mixture is hot but not simmering, whisk in chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in whiskey, Kalhúa, vanilla, and salt until combined.Step 2Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with cream and marshmallows, if using.
You can also make this hot chocolate extra-special and extra-spiked by topping it with Kahlúa marshmallows, inspired by this homemade marshmallow recipe. The marshmallows take a few hours to set, so the addition of boozy homemade marshmallows is totally optional but 110% worth it. Take it even further into cozy-land by hitting the marshmallows with a kitchen torch to speed up the melting process and create a thin campfire-like crust on top. If you want a thicker marshmallow, use a smaller pan and let the marshmallows set for up to 6 hours. Pro tip: Warm your mugs before serving by filling them with water and microwaving them for 1 to 2 minutes. After you dump out the water, the mugs will be perfect for ladling the hot chocolate into and keeping it warm. Did you try this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
