The Ultimate Winter Indulgence: Red Wine Hot Chocolate

If you enjoy pairing your favourite Cab Sauv with a square of dark chocolate, you’ll love this trendy, seasonal drink.

First popularized last year, red wine hot chocolate continues to make its rounds on various food blogs, news articles, and Pinterest boards. And it’s no wonder why — it’s comforting, decadent, and totally customizable, not to mention the fact that red wine and dark chocolate have many health benefits (when consumed in moderation, of course). You’ll love this latest addition to your list of boozy winter drinks.

When choosing your wine, it’s best to go with dry, bold, and medium-bodied to match the strength and bitterness of the dark chocolate. If you enjoy a good fondu, look for a wine on the fruitier side like Inniskillin’s Cabernet Franc. With undertones of raspberry and blackberry, it forms a dynamic interplay of sharp and sweet when paired with the melted chocolate. If you’re craving something with a little more balance, try a wine with a deeper flavour profile like Inniskillin’s Baco Noir. The notes of black cherry, plum, and cocoa blend seamlessly with the richness of the chocolate. And don’t forget about the dash of cinnamon on top — this adds an aromatic sweetness and complexity that ties all the ingredients together.

The recipe takes no more than 10 minutes to make and uses three simple ingredients as its base: milk, red wine, and dark chocolate. Serve it as dessert at your next Christmas dinner party, pair it with a movie for a romantic night in, or sip it curled up on the couch with a blanket and a good book — any way you drink it, it’s sure to become a cold-weather favourite.

And finally, the recipe:

Red Wine Hot Chocolate (2 large servings)

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or whatever milk you prefer)

1 cup red wine

⅓ cup good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of sea salt

Optional toppings: coconut whipped cream, sprinkle of cocoa powder

Directions:

Whisk together the milk and dark chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat until melted together.

Pour in the red wine and reduce heat slightly, mixing until everything is warmed.

Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla.

Divide between two mugs and sprinkle with cinnamon and desired toppings.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try playing around with different flavour combinations. Increase the milk to wine ratio for a creamier taste and texture, add some cayenne spice to create a little heat, or top with orange zest for a bolder citrus spin.