La Mansion del Rio Hot Chocolate

In a small saucepan, bring the cinnamon sticks and 1/2 cup of water to a boil over high heat and continue to boil until the water is reduced to 3 tablespoons, about 3 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks and set the water aside.

Dissolve the cocoa powder and 1 cup of the milk; whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 3 cups milk, sugar and the cinnamon flavored water and stir until smooth.

Place the cocoa mixture in a large saucepan. Add the half-and-half and cook over moderate heat, whisking almost constantly, until the chocolate is hot and frothy, about 5 minutes.