You may be thinking that hot chocolate is a drink for kids. Well think again. I have over the years developed a library of gourmet hot chocolate recipes and today I have one that will satisfy even the most sophisticated adult. Coming from one of the coffee culture capitals of the world, Melbourne, Australia, I have been inspired to combine my love for a really good latte, with my love for excellent quality chocolate.

Today I discovered that ‘Lindt chocolate’ will be turning 60 this year. Amazing that people have been indulging in Lindt chocolate pleasure for six decades. To celebrate this milestone, I thought it would be apt to use a high percentage cocoa dark chocolate as the base ingredient for today’s gourmet hot chocolate. Lindt has a fantastic variety to choose from but not to worry if you can’t find Lindt, as I always say, purchase the best quality chocolate you can afford and you can’t go wrong. This is your ingredient list for today:

Good quality dark chocolate (Lindt high percentage cocoa if possible)

Thick cream

A shot of either Tia Maria, Irish Cream or Amaretto (all coffee-based liqueurs)

Full cream milk

Water

You will also require a double boiler, which is the best piece of equipment for melting chocolate evenly. Using two pots stacked on top of one another, is a great make-shift option.

Begin by slowly melting the chocolate over low-medium heat. Once the chocolate is completely melted add an equal quantity of cream. Continuously stir the mixture. At this point you should add the liqueur, this will allow the alcohol to burn off slightly yet at the same time the flavors will be able to integrate perfectly. Finally add the milk and water. Continue to stir until your gourmet hot chocolate is heated to a temperature that you prefer. I recommend never boiling this mixture, heating it until just warm is perfect.

Enjoy with a biscotti on the side.