Cherry Cordial Hot Chocolate

5 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice, divided
1 3/4 cups whipping cream
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Maraschino cherries with stems (optional)

Heat first 3 ingredients and 7 tablespoons cherry juice in a Dutch oven over medium low heat, stirring often.

Beat whipping cream at medium speed with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and reserved cherry juice. Beat until soft peaks form. Serve atop hot chocolate. Top each serving with chocolate shavings and a cherry, if desired.

Makes 8 1/2 cups.

For adults only, add a splash of cherry brandy to each mug.