To heck with kiddie cocoa. This time of year all the running around may cause you to need a little chutzpah in your hot chocolate. So make like an elf and whip up a virgin batch for the kids, then give yourself a treat by spiking your (and your honey pie's) cup. The tree may fall over, but you won't care.

Thsi could be a treat for family or a more adult gathering. You can whip up a virgin batch of hot chocolate for the kids, then give the grownups a version with a touch of tequila. But please drink responsibily. Contents may be hot.

Cocoa Caliente

The folks at Tequila Tezon have mixed together two of Mexico's favorite flavors: chocolate and tequila.

2 cups whole milk

1 disc of Ibarra chocolate (see note)

Tequila blanco

Whipped cream

Warm the milk and chocolate in a saucepan, whisking with a molinillo or whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until frothy. Serve immediately in demitasse glass: 5 parts hot chocolate to 1 part tequila blanco. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream.

Note: Ibarra chocolate is a Mexican chocolate laced with cinnamon. Go to www.gourmetsleuth.com to order, or substitute 3 3/4 ounces dark chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. A molinillo is a Mexican chocolate whisk.

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Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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