“Since spicy chocolate is a classic Mexican tradition, my take is to skip the rum and bourbon and use tequila instead—it brings the whole drink into play in a way other spirits just can’t. To balance the sweetness, I enjoy this with an unfrosted shortbread or, better yet, when my café’s peanut chip chocolate chunk cookies go day-old, they dunk like biscotti in the most perfect way for the ultimate winter treat.”
Spicy Maple Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is fine. Hot chocolate with Dark Robust Maple Syrup and a slow burn of Habanero Sriracha is something else entirely. It's the kind of drink that makes a cold afternoon feel intentional. Make it as-is, or read what Bob does with tequila at the bottom. Both are correct.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups Whole milk (or your favorite dairy alternative)
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar Bob’s Dark Robust Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Sugar Bob’s Vermont Habanero
- ¼ tsp Vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Optional: Whipped cream, anise star, or a toasted marshmallow for topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Whisk the dry: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk the cocoa powder with a splash of milk until smooth.
- Build the flavor: Slowly pour in the remaining milk while whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
- Stir in the Vermont: Add the Maple Syrup, the Vermont Habanero Sriracha, vanilla, and salt.
- Warm it up: Heat through until steaming, but do not let it reach a rolling boil.
- Taste and adjust: If you want more "The Heat," add another half-teaspoon of Sriracha. If you want it deeper, add a splash more Maple Syrup.
- Serve: Pour into your favorite heavy mug. That’s Vermont warmth with a spicy backbone.
Pro Tip: For an "adult" version after a long day on the slopes, add an ounce of dark rum or bourbon. The spirit's oaky notes pair perfectly with the syrup's hardwood smoke.
Spicy Maple Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups Whole milk (or your favorite dairy alternative)
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar Bob’s Dark Robust Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Sugar Bob’s Vermont Habanero
- ¼ tsp Vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Optional: Whipped cream, anise star, or a toasted marshmallow for topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Whisk the dry: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk the cocoa powder with a splash of milk until smooth.
- Build the flavor: Slowly pour in the remaining milk while whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
- Stir in the Vermont: Add the Maple Syrup, the Vermont Habanero Sriracha, vanilla, and salt.
- Warm it up: Heat through until steaming, but do not let it reach a rolling boil.
- Taste and adjust: If you want more "The Heat," add another half-teaspoon of Sriracha. If you want it deeper, add a splash more Maple Syrup.
- Serve: Pour into your favorite heavy mug. That’s Vermont warmth with a spicy backbone.
Pro Tip: For an "adult" version after a long day on the slopes, add an ounce of dark rum or bourbon. The spirit's oaky notes pair perfectly with the syrup's hardwood smoke.








