Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, pour the whole milk and warm it over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

Melt the Chocolate: Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), add the dark chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and you’re left with a smooth, rich mixture.

Add Butter and Spices: Stir in the unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well until the butter has fully melted and the sugar has dissolved.

Add Vanilla and Rum: Turn the heat to low, and gently stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum. Be sure to keep stirring to ensure everything is well combined. Let the mixture heat through for another 1-2 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a boil.

Serve: Pour the mixture into mugs. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream and, if desired, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.

Enjoy: Grab a blanket, find a cozy spot, and enjoy your decadent Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum!