When Hot Chocolate Meets Shiraz…
A hot chocolate Match made in Heaven!
Just when you thought you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too… we (well, Tash) may have found a way.
Winter in the Coonawarra can be properly chilly, and while we’re all for cosying up with a glass of our finest, sometimes you need something that warms you from the inside out AND gives you that little extra kick. Enter our Shiraz Hot Chocolate – a deliciously decadent twist on the classic that’s been causing quite the stir around the cellar door.
The Story Behind the Sip
Our resident hot chocolate enthusiast (and all-round good sport) Tash has found what we think is the ultimate in collabs – wine and hot chocolate – but mixed together! Being the creative soul she is, she thinks: “Why settle for ordinary when you can add a splash of Shiraz?”
Want to see Tash in action? Check out our Instagram reel where she walks you through the whole delicious process – in case you missed it!
And honestly, we’re not mad about it. In fact, we’re wondering why it took us this long to think of it ourselves.
The Recipe
Ready to turn your afternoon into something special? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup chopped chocolate
- 2/3 cup Angels Peak Shiraz (or any of our beautiful reds, really)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional – we like to let the wine do the talking)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Marshmallows for serving
Directions:
- Combine the chocolate, milk and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot
- Stir in the vanilla and salt
- Remove from the heat and stir in red wine
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately!
Pro tip: Those marshmallows aren’t just for show – they add the perfect creamy finish.
Why It Works
There’s something rather magical about the way our Shiraz complements the rich, velvety chocolate. The wine’s bold fruit flavours and subtle spice notes create layers of complexity that make each sip an experience rather than just a drink. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to open a bottle of wine in the afternoon – purely for culinary purposes, of course.
The Perfect Winter Warmer
Whether you’re settling in for a cosy night by the fire, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to something special after a long day, this Shiraz hot chocolate hits all the right notes. It’s indulgent without being overly sweet, sophisticated yet comforting, and definitely grown-up enough to serve at your next dinner party.
A Little Cheeky Suggestion
Why not make it a weekend tradition? There’s something delightfully rebellious about adding wine to your afternoon hot chocolate – it’s like giving winter the middle finger while staying perfectly warm and content.
And for those wondering about the alcohol content, let’s be honest – it’s still not suitable for those under 18. But mixing the wine with the milk makes each cup roughly the same strength as a mid-strength beer, so it’s got enough kick to warm you up on a chilly evening, but won’t have you singing karaoke after just one mug! 🎤 It’s more about the flavour enhancement than getting tipsy on hot chocolate (though we won’t judge if that’s a bonus).
Tried our Shiraz hot chocolate? We’d love to hear about your own wine-infused winter warmers! Share your creations with us on social media – who knows, your experiment might just inspire our next blog post.
Ready to try it yourself? Pick up a bottle of our Ezra’s Gift Shiraz or Angels Peak Shiraz from our cellar door or online store. Your winter afternoons will thank you.
