Cherry Cordial Hot Chocolate

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 T. powdered sugar Chocolate shavings (optional) Maraschino cherries with stems (optional) Heat first 3 ingredients and 7 T. 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 powdered sugar and reserved cherry juice. Beat until soft peaks form. Serve with hot chocolate; top each serving with chocolate shavings and a cherry, if desired Makes 8 1/2 cups