Description
A delightful and bright twist on traditional hot chocolate, this Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate combines creamy white chocolate, zesty lemon sugar, and fluffy lemon meringue topping, making it the perfect warm drink as winter fades but the chill lingers.
Ingredients
Lemon Sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest from two medium to large lemons
Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate (makes one serving)
- 1 large egg, separated
- 3 tsp lemon sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped white chocolate
- 1 cup whole milk
- Good pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of cornstarch
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the zest of two medium to large lemons. Crush and rub them together between your fingers to release the oils and infuse the sugar with lemon fragrance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days to develop aroma.
- Prepare the Hot Chocolate Base: In a small pot, combine the egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of the lemon sugar and whisk until smooth. Add the chopped white chocolate, whole milk, and a good pinch of kosher salt. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until it is steaming and the chocolate is fully melted. Avoid boiling. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Lemon Meringue: In a clean bowl, add the egg white with the remaining 2 teaspoons of lemon sugar and a pinch of cornstarch. Using a handheld electric whisk, beat until glossy with stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip to prevent separation.
- Assemble the Drink: Pour the warm hot chocolate into a large mug or glass. Spoon the lemon meringue generously over the top.
- Finish with Torch or Broil: Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue for a toasted finish. If you don’t have a torch, place the mug on a baking sheet under a preheated oven broiler, watching carefully and removing as soon as the meringue develops some golden color. Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy.
Notes
- Whole milk is preferred for its creaminess, but other milk types can be used.
- Lemon sugar is versatile and can also be used on buttered toast, in tea, or in baking recipes.
- Do not overheat the chocolate mixture to prevent curdling or burning.
- When making meringue, stop whisking as soon as stiff peaks form to keep it stable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North American
