Ingredients
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup cold water
2¼ cups milk
¾ cup half-and-half (combination of single [light] cream and milk, half qty of each to make up total qty required )
½ cup Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, or to taste
Whipped cream and shaved bittersweet chocolate for garnish
Method
In a large heavy saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, the sugar, the vanilla, the water, and a pinch of salt and heat the mixture over low heat, whisking, until the cocoa powder is dissolved and the mixture is a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk and the half-and-half, both scalded, and simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes. Stir in the Baileys. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top it with the whipped cream and the chocolate
Chef's Tips
For a frothy result, Using a blender, blend the hot chocolate in batches.