Chocolate Mint Syrup

Seriously one of the moments I realized that herbalism could be this simple, I was hooked. Also, chocolate mint is one of my favorite flavors. 

2 Tbs crushed peppermint
1 Tbs cacao powder
1 cup filtered water
1/4 - 1/2 cup honey

Add peppermint to water in a small sauce pot. Turn heat up to high and put the lid on the pot. Bring to a boil and turn heat down to medium simmer. Simmer until volume is reduced to 1/2 cup. Take off the heat and strain out leaves, stir in cocoa. Add honey to a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. Stir and refrigerate in a clean bottle up to 2 months.

Cocktails

Mint Chocolate Martini
1 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur
1/2 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz half and half or non-dairy milk
chocolate mint syrup for rim

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Pour into cocktail glass that is rimmed with mint chocolate syrup

Mint Chocolate Mocktini
1 cup milk of choice
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 Tbs mint chocolate syrup

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Pour into cocktail glass that is rimmed with mint chocolate syrup

A lively beverage that helps improve circulation. ...