Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 2 whole maraschino cherries
  • 1 tbsp shaved dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in the bottom of a small saucepan. Slowly stir in 2 tablespoons of the milk, whisking constantly until a thick, smooth paste forms.
  2. Pour in the remaining milk. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the mixture begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, ensuring it does not reach a rolling boil.
  3. Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract. Add the halved cherries and allow them to warm through for about 60 seconds.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate into two heat-proof mugs. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream, one whole cherry, and a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate.