Can I make the cocoa syrup ahead of time?

Yes. Make the syrup first, let it cool completely, and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should be ready to use for future cocktails once chilled.

What can I use instead of spiced rum?

If you don’t have spiced rum, dark rum is the closest substitute. The drink will be a little less aromatic, so you may want to add a pinch of warm spice if desired.

Can I use a different hot cocoa mix?

Yes, but the flavor will change. A hazelnut cocoa gives the drink its nutty chocolate character, so a standard cocoa mix will make it taste more straightforwardly chocolatey.

Do I need a shaker for this cocktail?

No. The recipe uses a mixing glass and stirring rather than shaking, which keeps the drink smooth and well integrated.

How should I serve this drink?

Serve it strained into a rocks glass over ice. The cocktail is rich and best enjoyed cold.

Can I scale the recipe for a crowd?

Yes. The syrup recipe scales easily, and the cocktail ingredients can be multiplied by the number of servings you want. Stir each batch well before serving.

Recipes

Love Remedy #9

Name: Love Remedy #9
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 1 cocktail serving & 1 cup simple syrup for later use
Ingredients: FOR COCOA SYRUP; 1 1/2 tablespoons The Spice House Hazelnut Cocoa; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup sugar; FOR THE COCKTAIL; 1 oz spiced rum; 1/2 oz cocoa syrup; 1/2 oz port wine; 1/4 oz coffee liqueur

This amorous cocktail combines all the great loves of life: chocolate, coffee, and wine.

Recipe courtesy of @weekndcookbook.

Yield: 1 cocktail serving & 1 cup simple syrup for later use

Ingredients

COCOA SYRUP FOR
Hazelnut Cocoa 1 1/2 tablespoons
Sold Out
water 1/2 cup
sugar 1/2 cup
THE COCKTAIL FOR
spiced rum 1 oz
cocoa syrup 1/2 oz
port wine 1/2 oz
coffee liqueur 1/4 oz

Preparation Instructions:

To first make the syrup:

Add water, sugar, and hot cocoa mix together in a small sauce pot. Stir continuously until it has reached a boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Strain liquid and let cool.

To make the cocktail:

Combine rum, cocoa syrup, port wine, and coffee liqueur in a mixing glass. Stir until ingredients are combined. Strain drink into a rocks glass with ice.

Enjoy!