Boozy Hot Chocolate for ONE

 

boozy hot chocolate for one graphic

You may or may not know this about me, but I am a retail veteran. Yes, friends,  I cut my career teeth (metaphorically speaking, of course) on the floors of multiple high-end bridal salons across the country and then moved on to spend a few years with the big dogs at Saks Fifth Avenue. I can’t even begin to count the many things I learned while gracing these floors, about people, life and, yes, even love. But one of the biggest lessons that I learned is an unfortunate one. It’s one that causes me to break out in a cold sweat at this time of year and forces me into total retail avoidance during the holidays. If I can’t get it online or during off-hours at Target, it’s dead to me and you’re not getting it for Christmas, kids. Sorry. Mommy has Holiday Retail Avoidance Disorder (HRAD for short)*; she can’t get you the #1 item on your list this year. It involves going to the mall. 

*not an actual disorder*

Yes, dear readers, years after leaving the retail floor, I still suffer from the trauma of witnessing one too many Black Fridays from the other side of the cash register. And if you think I’m exaggerating, I’m not. You, too, may be suffering from HRAD and not even know it. Have you ever worked retail? During the holiday season? Please check carefully for the following symptoms:

  1. Are you unable to walk by a display of holiday sweaters in complete and utter disarray without compulsively refolding and restacking? 
  2. Do you break out in hives at the first sound of piped-in holiday muzak? 
  3. Does the sight of a bargain bin of purses and wallets strike fear rather than joy into your heart of hearts?
  4. Can you easily spot “undercover” store security personnel attempting to remain inconspicuous amongst piles and piles of discounted denim? 
  5. Do you duck and cover the moment you hear an angry customer begin to argue and curse over the already discounted price of a pair of shoes? Trying to point out invisible defects to get a lower price? 

See, friends, it’s more common than you think. 

Seriously, though, the bottom line is this….during the holidays people (present company excluded, of course) can kind of be jerks. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yes, but when you’re in retail, it’s also the hardest and most defeating. And that’s hard to reconcile. I’m not sure exactly why Black Friday ushers in the worst of shopping humanity, but it really does. And you know this if you’ve ever stood on the sales floor and watched a group of shoppers grab, pull, push and shove over a deeply discounted pair of Manolo Blahniks. Or watched the crush of bodies attempt to squeeze in through one entryway when the doors are unlocked first thing in the morning.

My father in law is the sweetest, most gentile and most Southern of all Southern gentlmen. He is known for his manners and courtesy and will always, ALWAYS, choose the right and mannerly thing to do in any given situation. And he was almost trampled one Black Friday because he wanted to do the right thing by holding the door open for the shoppers behind him. Family legend states that he stood there for one whole hour because he couldn’t find a safe out to let the door close without risking bodily harm. 

And this family does not exaggerate so I believe them. boozy hot chocolate black friday meme

After a long day of holiday retailing, your body hurts, your back aches and you’re kind of sad for humanity. As holiday shoppers we need to ask ourselves: is it really that hard to be nice to the person who is checking you out at the register? Is it really worth lowering your moral standards to get a smidge more of a discount on a Michael Kors? Is it impossible for us to see that there is a real, living, breathing HUMAN BEING on the other end of the aisle? 

Now, for the sake of argument, I will say that the majority of us are kind, caring, compassionate, and giving of our courtesy to those around us, even during the mad crush of the holiday season. During my time in retail, I did witness many moments of humanity and beauty on the sales floor. But my overwhelming take away during this time of the year is that retail people need some extra love. This is a fabulous time of year for most of us, but a lot of the joy that we feel as “civilians’ during the holidays is not shared by people in the “biz.” 

So I’m going to challenge us all….no matter what store, no matter how long the line, or how surly the guy at the checkout….show LOVE. They deserve kindness. Maybe he’s surly because he just got screamed at by a customer livid over the fact that the store was sold out of Playstations. Or maybe he’s tired and his feet hurt. You don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. Show love. Show what the season is all about. With one simple smile and one kind remark, you can change the outcome of someone’s day. This goes beyond retail, of course, but let’s just try to put it in the practice on the floor of Target or Best Buy or Saks or Neimans. It’s as good a place to start as any. And I can promise you this, that kind word during this time of the year is probably more needed than you’ll ever know for that weary salesperson.

boozy hot chocolate scripture

Boozy Hot Chocolate FOR ONE

And for you retail vets….treat yourself this time of year. I know how tough this past weekend was on you. I know you’re tired. I know this Monday is probably your Saturday. Do something kind for yourself. Take a bath. Go workout. Sit in silence and cry. I don’t know…you do you. But when your day is winding down, make a wonderful cup of this Boozy Hot Chocolate for One for yourself. Nothing says self-love to me more than a decadent cup of homemade hot chocolate. And nothing says extra self-love like adding a nice smooth shot of Irish Cream to it. You’re an adult, after all, and you just survived the craziest shopping weekend of the year. You deserve some Boozy Hot Chocolate for One now more than ever! It’s Christmas, after all! Treat yo’self! 

Peace, love and holiday shopping,

Meg

For another fun holiday cocktail try this Winter Sangria recipe

 

Boozy Hot Chocolate for One

January 8, 2020

By:

Ingredients
  • 2 cups almond milk (or milk of your choice)
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (I don't like to get all ingredient snobby on you, but the higher quality for this one the better)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • dash of salt
  • dash of cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1 generous shot of Irish Cream (Baileys, Saint Brendans)
Directions
  • Step 1 In a small saucepan combine milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, salt and cinnamon. Whisk over low heat until combined.
  • Step 2 Heat through to desired temperature, but do not boil!
  • Step 3 Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and Irish Cream.
  • Step 4 Serve immediately with marshmallows or whipped cream.
  • Step 5 RELAX.
The perfect winter night cap, this boozy adult hot chocolate is a decadent, sweet, slightly boozy drink perfect for those nights when unwinding needs to be something special. Make it for yourself, your love, your friends. It's the gift that keeps on giving. #hotchocolate #boozydrinks #cocktails #adultbeverages #alcohol
Smooth. Creamy. And just a little bit boozy. This rich hot chocolate is not for the kids in the room. Rich chocolate is paired with spices and milk to make this delicious and decadent adult holiday treat. #hotchocolate #hotdrinks #adultdrinks #adultbeverages #boozy
boozy adult hot chocolate



35 thoughts on “Boozy Hot Chocolate for ONE”

  • Hahaha! Love your opening! I never thought to add maple syrup to hot chocolate but now I’m going to try that! And what a beautiful snowflake marshmallow!

    • I’d love to take credit for that gorgeous snowflake, but I can’t. That’s all Target. Gotta love that red bullseye!

    • I’ve made it without the Irish Cream and it’s just as good so don’t worry about taking it out. Enjoy!

    • Let me know if you do! It’s so yummy and perfect for a holiday party. The recipe can certainly be doubled or even tripled for a crowd.

  • I always feel for retail workers this time of year. People can be so short tempered and rude this time of year and they take it out on the workers.

    This hot chocolate recipe looks divine. I love that it’s made with almond milk and maple syrup.

    • I’ve also made it with honey! The only thing that includes process or dairy based items is the Irish Cream!

  • I SO feel you on the HRAD. This year was actually my first year, after 12 years in the work force, not working retail on Black Friday. Those who haven’t been there just can’t understand what those retail employees go through during the holiday season. BUT, like you said, you learn so many life lessons in those times!

    My boyfriend has been craving hot chocolate (I picked up on this after three days of mentioning hot chocolate multiple times), so I think I may make this as a surprise for him tomorrow night! Side note – your photography is absolutely beautiful.

    • Oh man! I hope you enjoyed and reveled in the joy of NOT working on Black Friday! You deserve it after 12 years. I do hope you try it–I think your boyfriend will love it!! <3

  • Oh, My!! I am in love with this! First off, I too am a retail vet. I vote that HRAD become an actual disorder. The struggle is real! πŸ™‚ I had a good chuckle on the part about your sweet father in law. I was in the exact situation. LOL. I bet very few noticed enough to say thank you. Everyone is in such a hurry to go nowhere, esp this time of year! I think we all need to sit down by the fire and share some of this delish looking hot chocolate!! Thanks so much for sharing.

    • So glad to hear from other retail vets! The struggle definitely is alive and well! Let’s start a HRAD petition. I’ll be the first signature.

  • I’ve never tried spiked hot chocolate, but this, by far, is the most appealing recipes that I’ve come across. I will definitely be trying this one.

    • Great! It’s good not spiked too, if you don’t want to add the irish cream. let me know if you like it!

  • Loved your opening! This year I’ve tried to get Christmas presents before the craziness starts because working in retail has definitely put me off haha I’ve going to try this recipe- it sounds yummy! Samantha xx | samanthadobbin.com

  • I think I’m definitely suffering from a case of HRAD as well :/ This hot chocolate sounds like the perfect cure. I love the idea of putting maple syrup in it πŸ™‚

    • Well I’m not judging, but I will say it’s equally good without the booze! So there’s that…either way, ENJOY!

  • Ha ha ha, it’s dead to me. Just like “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’Leary from the TV show “Shark Tank: when you don’t take his offer: “You’re dead to me.” I really do feel for the store staff that work on Black Fridays and all during the Xmas holiday rush. A little courtesy goes a long way.

    • So glad you got the Mr. Wonderful reference! We’re huge Shark Tank fans over here so I was hoping someone would catch it. And yes, a little courtesy does go a long way. πŸ™‚

    • I wish I could take credit for the marshmallow, sadly it belongs to Target. But I bought it so does that count?

  • This could be very good made various ways, but I like the idea of using almond milk best. I’m not sure I can re- create that marshmallow snowflake, but I will try my best

    • Here’s how to re-create the marshmallow: go to your local Target. Buy the marshmallow. πŸ™‚ Enjoy!

  • I haven’t worked a ton of retail but enough to know exactly what you’re talking about! People can be crazy during the holidays and working on the retail side of things definitely gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth for a while. Now, I just try to get all my shopping done ahead of time so I don’t have to hit the stores much during the holidays.

    • Online is really the only way to go now, I completely agree! There is nothing quite like Amazon Prime πŸ™‚

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