This time of year feels rich and romantic to me. Nights cuddled on the couch with Christmas lights as mood lighting, dates to the theater, dancing in the kitchen to jazzy Christmas carols. There’s something extra that I can’t resist. This year is even more special since Enchanted Conservatory is my full-time gig. Instead of feeling like I’m rushing through the season I’m able to breath and immerse myself, it’s a novel experience.
Part of the fun is creating cocktails each Friday (until Christmas) for our Festive Friday series. Some of the cocktails will be classics and others will be straight from the Enchanted Conservatory test kitchen (it’s a real burden for me and C but we’ll take one for the team). Last week I put a slight twist on the Coquito, this week is a drink I’m calling The Naughty Elf.
Have you ever had a Creme de Menthe brownie? If so, you know that they are heaven. A perfect balance of mint and chocolate with a buttery richness. Consider the Creme de Menthe brownie my muse for this week’s #festivefriday cocktail. Don’t be afraid, if you follow my recipe I promise it won’t be too minty or too sweet. It will be rich and have a little bite….perfect for a night in or to warm you as you walk the neighborhood admiring holiday lights (in a discreet to-go cup, of course).
The Naughty Elf (serves 1)
Ingredients:
- 3 tsps Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa (or any unsweetened dark chocolate powder you like)
- 1 tbsp sugar*
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup canned (unsweetened) coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsps creme de cacao (white)
- 2 tsps creme de menthe
- 1 oz vodka
* I reduced the sugar to 2 teaspoons the second time I made this and thought it was delicious, C preferred the full tablespoon
Instructions:
- (optional) Add coconut milk to the blender and mix on low for about 15 seconds. This does a couple of things: it combines the coconut milk if the cream has separated and it gives the cream a frothy texture.
- Heat the coconut milk over medium-low heat, until you see steam rising or bubbles forming on the side of the pot (stir occasionally)
- While the coconut milk is heating add the chocolate, sugar and salt to a mug
- Pour enough coconut milk into the mug to cover the dry ingredients, stir well to combine (This helps me ensure the dry ingredients are fully incorporated)
- Add the vanilla extract, creme de cacao, creme de menthe and vodka to the mug, stir
- Fill the mug with the rest of the coconut milk and stir again
- (optional) Sprinkle some salt on the top
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Here’s to an enchanting weekend!
XOXO
