Amaro Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• For the angostura whipped cream:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 dashes Angostura bitters
• For the hot cocoa:
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Valrhona
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Pinch kosher salt
• 3 cups milk
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 5 ounces Italian amaro, such as Averna

Directions

1. With an electric mixer, or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy whipping cream on high until it holds soft peaks. Add the simple syrup, vanilla extract, and Angostura bitters, then keep whipping until the cream reaches medium peaks, about 1 minute more.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the milk and chocolate, then warm everything over medium heat, stirring the whole time, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is hot. Give it a gentle whisk so it comes together completely.
3. Stir in the vanilla and amaro. Pour the hot cocoa into glasses, then finish each one with the Angostura whipped cream.