Spicy Hot Chocolate Delight

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All thoughts, opinions and giddiness over spending time with family are purely my own. This is it, people! I get to host Christmas at my place this year. I cannot wait to hug my sister on Saturday.

I love spending the holidays with loved ones. One of the things that brings us big comfort is cooking together and chilling on the couch. I have this great big modular sectional that makes lounging a work of art. So this time around, we will be doing loads of that and loads of catching up.

I don't know about you but in my house catching up must involved food and drinks. Baking is a thing that gets done around here mostly when Titi Q is around. She'll handle that responsibility and I will handle the drinks.

What will we be drinking, you ask? Hot chocolate, of course!!!!! With a twist.

I am thoroughly enjoying the new Hot Chocolate from International Delight.  Here's a quick recipe to delight the senses. I've seen it going around but I like to add a little zing to mine.

[list-ul type="star"][li-row]1 cup (8 oz) of International Delight Hot Chocolate. I prefer the dark chocolate for this one.[/li-row][li-row]1 shot of flavored vodka. This goes well with a whipped cream flavor or coconut. It's up to your tastebuds. [/li-row][li-row]Whipped cream[/li-row][li-row]Cinnamon sticks[/li-row][li-row]One shake of chili powder[/li-row][/list-ul]

The secret is in that chili pepper. You never think spicy goes with chocolate but it pairs beautifully! I put the vodka into a mug, pour the hot chocolate over it, mix in the chili powder and then I drop some whipped cream on top. If you've never done this before, start with a pinch and taste. I like that this drink can be created individually so you can set your personal spice level.

I use the cinnamon stick as a stirrer and it really brings the flavors of the chocolate and the chili together.

Can I tell you how excited I am to share this drink with my sister! And yes, it goes beautifully with gingerbread men!

Also, I bet Santa would appreciate this drink over plain old milk. Just sayin'!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.