Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate

Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

There is no better way to enjoy the frozen enchantment that is Narnia under the White Witch’s spell than with this Turkish Delight hot chocolate. A sweet and creamy pistachio white hot chocolate infused with rose water.

Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate takes its inspiration from C.S. Lewis’ set of much beloved children’s books, the Chronicles of Narnia. Set in the fantasy land of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is arguably the most well-known book in the series. This fantastical tale tells the story of the four Pevensie children – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – who step into a wardrobe and enter the magical land of Narnia.

Cursed by the White Witch, the land of Narnia is trapped in an endless frozen winter. Edmund’s first encounter there is with the White Witch herself who ingratiates herself to him with a hot, sweet drink and Turkish Delight. Sweet and creamy, this Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate combines the flavours of Edmund’s favourite sweet treat into the White Witch’s Hot Drink.

"Perhaps something hot to drink?" said the Queen. "Should you like that?"
"Yes please, your Majesty," said Edmund, whose teeth were chattering.
. . . Edmund felt much better as he began to sip the hot drink. It was something he had never tasted before, very sweet and foamy and creamy, and it warmed him right down to his toes.
"It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating," said the Queen presently. "What would you like best to eat?"
"Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty," said Edmund."
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

How to Make Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate

Steep the pistachios

Add half of the milk to a medium saucepan along with the raw pistachios. Place over medium high heat and bring up to a simmer. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes.

Blend the pistachios

After steeping, carefully pour the warm milk and pistachios into a high-speed blender. If you don’t have a high-speed blender then use a regular one – you just may need to strain the pistachio milk after. Ensure the cover of the blender is on securely and use a towel to hold the lid down while blending. 

Begin blending on low speed then slowly turn the blender on high as the pistachios begin to break down. Blend until the pistachios are completely blended and no longer gritty. If you are using a standard blender the pistachios might not blend completely smooth. If this is the case, you can either leave it as is or strain through a fine mesh strainer. Line the strainer with cheesecloth if you really want to make sure the milk is smooth.

Transfer the pistachio milk to a clean saucepan.

Make the Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate

Place the saucepan with pistachio milk over medium high heat. Add the remaining milk and the heavy cream. Bring the pistachio mixture up to a simmer. Add the chopped white chocolate and whisk together. Continue whisking until the white chocolate has completely melted. Taste the pistachio white hot chocolate to see if you want to add more sugar. I usually find it sweet enough but you may wish to add a spoonful of sugar.

Turn off the heat and a pinch salt if desired. I like to use a pinch of pink himalayan salt to balance the sweetness of the white chocolate. Add the rosewater and whisk together.

To serve, pour the Turkish delight hot chocolate into a mug and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with a little chopped pistachios and a pinch of pink himalayan salt. Enjoy!