Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate

1. Warm Milk and Spices

Pour three cups of whole milk into a medium saucepan. Add one-third cup of packed light brown sugar, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt to the milk. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer.

2. Melt Chocolate

Once the milk mixture is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and add one and a half cups of bittersweet chocolate chips. Let the chocolate sit in the hot milk for about two minutes, undisturbed, then stir until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

3. Add Vanilla and Serve

Stir in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Once everything is well combined, pour the hot chocolate into mugs, ready to serve. Optionally, top with whipped cream or marshmallows.