Mocktail recipe: Candy Cane Cocoatini

Makes 1 to 2 servings, depending on glass size

• 1 cup milk or any combination of milk and cream (Note: Using milk with less than 2% fat will reduce thickness)
• 1 packet milk chocolate cocoa mix (can substitute with dark chocolate)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• ice cubes
• 8-10 drops peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (flavored simple syrup)
• crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, to rim the glass
• whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk or cream, cocoa, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and salt. Stir until well combined. The cocoa should be warm but not hot or boiling.
2. As the cocoa mixture is warming, prepare your shaker or tall glass by adding ice to mixture of peppermint extract, chocolate syrup, vanilla syrup and a splash of vanilla extract.
3. Remove cocoa mixture from heat and pour into shaker with the other ingredients. Shake until cold. Wet rim of the martini glass with vanilla syrup, then dip into crushed peppermint candy. Rotate until covered.
4. Pour mixture into martini glass, top with whipped cream and garnish with a candy cane if desired.

Note: If you prefer a warm drink, add the flavored syrups to the cocoa mixture and skip the ice. Mix until well combined and serve warm in a mug, garnished as desired.