RED WINE HOT CHOCOLATE

Cold weather calls for red wine and hot chocolate – so why not mix the two together? This delicious recipe from Cellarmasters will be your new favourite winter toddy.

INGREDIENTS

140g dark chocolate, finely chopped 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tbsp packed brown sugar

¼ tbsp ground cinnamon

4 cups whole milk

Pinch of salt

1½ cups cabernet sauvignon (select a wine with dusty chocolate notes – like the Black Wattle Mt Benson Cabernet Sauvignon)

Cinnamon sticks, to serve (optional) Marshmallows, cocoa powder and/or

whipped cream, to serve (optional)

METHOD

Whisk the chocolate, cocoa powder, brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a large saucepan. Add the milk and then bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth – about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt.

Remove from the heat and add the wine. If you’d like to heat the wine before doing so, make sure not to let it boil, as this can evaporate the flavours.

Divide among 8 small mugs or glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, marshmallows, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, and serve.