Chocolate Gingerbread Mocktail with Ice – Festive Winter Drink

Ingredients

• • 1 ⅞ cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• • 2 ⅞ tablespoons cocoa powder
• • 2 ⅞ tablespoons granulated sugar
• • ⅞ teaspoon ground ginger
• • ⅞ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• • ⅞ teaspoon ground cloves
• • ⅞ teaspoon vanilla extract
• • ⅞ cup whipped cream (optional)
• • ⅞ cup granulated sugar for rim
• • ⅞ cup cocoa powder for rim
• • 1 ⅞ cup sparkling water (for ice cubes)

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with ¼ cup cocoa powder in a small bowl. Dip the rim of a glass into water, then press into the sugar-cocoa mixture to coat evenly. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a mixing glass, combine 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir until a smooth syrup forms.

3. 3

   Add remaining milk and vanilla extract to the mixing glass. Use a muddler or spoon to blend the mixture thoroughly. Add ice cubes (made with sparkling water for sparkle) to the prepared glass.

4. 4

   Pour the chocolate syrup mixture over the ice. Top with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle additional cocoa powder and cinnamon on top for decoration.