For National Hot Chocolate Day, January 31st, a recipe for rum hot chocolate from Kōloa Rum Co., a premium rum brand from Hawaii. The recipe uses Kōloa Kauai Cacao Rum, which is chocolate-flavored (and chocolate-colored) rum. The chocolate gives the hot chocolate much more chocolate intensity than plain rum, and it’s worth buying a bottle—you can use it in so many cocktails. It’s also a nice gift for a chocolate lover.

If you can’t get hold of a bottle, you can substitute chocolate-flavored vodka.

For the marshmallows, look for better ones than the two big supermarket brands. Trader Joe’s has affordable “better” marshmallows.

If you don’t want marshmallows, substitute whipped cream.

> The history of rum.

> The different types of rum.

> More hot chocolate recipes.

> The difference between hot chocolate and cocoa.
 
 
RECIPE: RUM HOT CHOCOLATE
 
Ingredients FOr 1 Drink

[1] Chocolate rum makes this cup hot chocolate very special (both photos © Kōloa Rum).

[2] A bottle of chocolate rum will serve you well in other cocktails.

1. HEAT the milk to a low simmer, then stir in the dark chocolate and cinnamon until chocolate is melted and well blended.

2. ADD in the cocoa powder and brown sugar and stir. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum. Top with the marshmallows.