GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE: Twist to a Cult Classic

THE GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE

This hot concoction was developed by mixologist and travel writer Richard Sterling.  The principal author of Lonely Planet's World Food series, he has been dubbed the Indiana Jones of Gastronomy for his willingness to go anywhere and court any danger for the sake of a good meal. His now 14 books include The Adventure of Food; The Fearless Diner; and the award winning Traveler's Tales Food: A Taste of the Road. He has been honored by the James Beard Foundation for his food writing, and by the Lowell Thomas awards for his travel literature. His lifestyle column appears monthly in San Francisco magazine. Though he lives in Berkeley, California, he is very often politically incorrect.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces prepared hot cocoa
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 fluid ounces peppar vodka
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• cayenne powder, for garnish
• cinnamon stick, for garnish
• grated chocolate, for garnish
• dried red chili, for garnish

DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARATION:

1. 1Combine the hot chocolate, honey, vanilla and vodka in a small pitcher.
2. 2Pour into two tall glasses or Irish coffee glasses.
3. 3Pour 1 tablespoon of cream on the top of each glass and let it float.
4. 4Dust with a pinch of cayenne pepper and garnish with cinnamon sticks. If preferred, you may garnish with grated chocolate and a dried red chile.