You may remember a couple of months back I wrote a review of Nestle Japan’s Saké KitKat. Inspired by this delightful dessert I decided to make a delicious seasonal cocktail for everyone to enjoy on their holiday. So merry everything and a happy all of it to you! I deconstructed the KitKat as best as I could to get the same vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Kanpai Neko

Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe:

• Heavy Whipping Cream - 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract - 1 TSP
• Vanilla Beans (Optional) - a sprinkle
• Powdered Sugar - 4 tbsp or to taste

This is a simple vanilla whipped cream recipe that makes enough for 4 drinks. It’s easy enough to make and I would recommend doing it ahead of time to have it at the ready (or to use it on other desserts). In a mixing bowl whisk your heavy whipping cream to start. As you’re whisking add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 TSP of vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the cream becomes thick enough to hold a form. When done set it aside or put it in the refrigerator for later.

Kanpai Neko

Hot White Chocolate with Saké Recipe:

• White Chocolate - 4oz (I used Ghirardelli White Chocolate Premium Baking Bar)
• Whole Milk - 2 cups
• Vanilla Extract - ½ TSP
• Sea Salt - (pinch)
• Vanilla Wafer (Optional garnish)
• Saké Junmai - 1-2 oz (recommended that you not exceed these amounts)

It is key that when melting chocolate, be it any kind, that you watch it like an overprotective parent watching their child. The objective here is to melt it, not burn it. In order to help melt I chopped the entire bar into smaller pieces using a santoku knife. I then preheated a smaller pot at medium-low temperature and gently stirred the chocolate until the pieces completely melted. Once melted add the salt, milk, vanilla and continue stirring until the hot chocolate begins to slightly simmer. As soon as it simmers take it off the heat and set it aside. As an extra step I prepped the glasses I wanted to use by pouring hot water in them. Dump the water out and add the Saké first, and then the hot chocolate. Make sure to leave enough room in the glass or mug for the whipped cream as it will ooze out. Add your wafer topping for a tasty garnish and you’re all done. My only recommendation for this drink is to use no more than 1-2 oz of Saké. After some testing, too much makes the beverage taste like sour milk. If you like that sort of thing then go ahead and have as much as you wish. I’m not your senpai… Baka.