This uses a lot less sugar than the standard recipes and lets a tiny amount of the bitterness of the cocoa through. It’s a lot more grownup than many cocoas.
(Source: Back of the Hershey’s cocoa box and experimentation)
1/8 cup sugar
3 Tbsp cocoa
a dash salt
3 Tbsp water
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
Mix sugar, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for two minutes. Stir occasionally. Add milk and heat over reduced flame—do not boil—until desired temperature. Stir in vanilla and serve.
Nice additions include a bit of Frangelico, Whiskey, and Peppermint Schnapps.