Hot chocolate plus your favorite booze feels like heaven on earth on a cold day. May we suggest some classic combinations to warm you up?
Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys Irish Cream is an aged whiskey mixed with cream (both the whiskey and cream are sourced in Ireland) and cocoa flavorings. A generous splash of this liqueur will give your hot chocolate an even greater milky richness as well as a silky smooth finish. Despite containing cream, the bottle has a shelf life of 2 years, so you can store it in the refrigerator or a cool dry place until you’re ready to make your next batch of hot chocolate.
Kahlúa
Containing small amounts of caffeine, Kahlúa will give you a slow release of energy when it’s mixed into your warm wintery drink. Consider this version of spiked hot chocolate the perfect swap for an after-dinner cup of full-caff coffee—this mix is like dessert + coffee, all in one cup. The liqueur is flavored with vanilla and arabica coffee, with its major alcohol content coming from rum.
Spiced Rum
You won’t need more than an ounce or two to feel the boozy punch with spiced rum. The signature golden color is a result of the rum aging in wooden barrels, and contributes to the spirit’s rich flavor. The rum’s spiced profile comes from a blend of allspice seeds, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. All of these tasty elements make a great complement to chocolate and will be an excellent addition to
Cointreau or Triple Sec
For a change, why not add an orange touch to your hot chocolate? This might sound weird, but it is definitely feasible, and take note– delicious. Orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec can spike your simple hot chocolate into a boozy yet orangy cocktail– without omitting the chocolate’s goodness.
Peppermint Schnapps
Peppermint Schnapps is a mint-infused liqueur that tastes like boozy candy canes. It is a staple drink during the winter or holiday seasons. But one thing you need to learn is that – this liqueur is great in choco-based cocktails.vSo why not try this spirit with your mug of hot chocolate?
Tequila
Never tried a Mexican-style hot chocolate? As soon as you’re used to its chili-spiced flavoring, you can try the Mexican hot cocoa skewered with tequila.
ce you savor this recipe’s goodness, you can’t help but want more
Peppermint Schnapps
Peppermint Schnapps is a mint-infused liqueur that tastes like boozy candy canes. It is a staple drink during the winter or holiday seasons. But one thing you need to learn is that – this liqueur is great in choco-based cocktails.
Experiment with whatever liquors you have on hand. Top your hot chocolate off with a vanilla vodka infused whip cream for a little extra kick!
As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to inform you that some of our local food businesses will be taking a winter break. We assure you that this break is necessary for staff to recharge after the busy holiday season and to prepare for the upcoming year. We’ll keep updating the list as we hear about more temporary closings.
Our fifth most read story fo the year was 
Our fourth most read story also came in Ocober when a 
management Home Plate will open late Jan/early February. With only 20 seats, the concept will concentrate on carry out of Doubleday’s favorite, soups, salads and sandwiches.
Dayton937.com’s Most Read Story of the Year: In Sept of 23 we announced the
Rabbit Hole Books
The owners mother Chunyun Zhou was there cooking when I visited before their opening. She insisted on making me a bowl of soup. She choose #3 on the top list- the Five Grain Noodle soup with fish and tofu. Served on the side were fried yellow peas, which I was encouraged to put in the soup and added a nice texture to the dish. The Chinese writing on the bowl says Five Grains Noodle House. While the Chinese eat this dish with chopsticks, I used a fork and the soup spoon to attack this bowl.
2023 saw some long time local Dayton favorites like Tanks, Chop Suey Carryout* and Carmel’s close their doors. But chains weren’t immune to closing either. CoreLife Eatery, the Long John Silver’s in Springboro, 
Smoothies in Moraine, Salsas Mexican Restaurant* in Riverside, Joe Mama’s Taste of Dayton*, Ms Bettys Kitchen*, Oh Crêpe in Troy- (though they’ve said they’ll still operate their food tuck), Sunnu Grill with their Senegalese cuisine and Sweet Tooth just couldn’t survive in a climate of increasing prices on products and a tough hiring market.
Some closings came as a surprise, like Twist Cupcakery*- who’s owner was ready to move on to a new challenge, Mamaw’s Bakery- which was opened as a pilot and owner Mendy Williams decided the return just wasn’t worth the time invested. Flyboy Deli downtown closed due to the owners health struggles and Jaqua’s at The Green closed down soon after the owner’s death. Carmen’s Deli closed down due to lack of downtown business as did Third Perk, first at Gem City Market and then their downtown location.
The Bar & Bistro at Top of the Market decided to turn their venue into rentals, Zen Lounge* closed as Press Coffee Bar* Belmont.
Are you planning to dine out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Look no further! We have a range of dining options available to make your Christmas celebrations special. Make your reservations now as many of these will book up quickly. And of course remember to tip big to show your appreciation for those working the holiday. We’ll keep adding to this list as hear from more restaurants.
Bright Moon Buffet
, Wash Twsp | (937) 999-4545
215 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs |
