Ingredients

　　1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

　　1/3 cup sugar

　　1/2 cup cold water

　　1 teaspoon vanilla

　　1 cup half-and-half

　　2 1/2 cups milk

　　1/3 cup crème de menthe, or to taste

　　2 tablespoons crème de cacao, or to taste

　　Whipped cream and shaved bittersweet chocolate for garnish

　　In a heavy saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, the sugar, the water, the vanilla, and a pinch of salt and heat the mixture over low heat, whisking, until the cocoa powder is dissolved and the mixture is a smooth paste. Gradually add the half-and-half and the milk, both scalded, and simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes. Stir in the crème de menthe and the crème de cacao. (For a frothy result, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.) Divide the chocolate among mugs and top it with the whipped cream and the chocolate.