Why hello there again eve chocolate lovers!
Whether it’s the weather getting a bit chilly or on cool evenings following warm and sunshiney summer days, when you're looking for something to warm your soul, there’s nothing quite like a mug of hot chocolate. It's the ultimate comfort drink, isn't it?
As fellow chocolate enthusiasts, we felt it our duty to try out a whole pile of hot chocolate recipes. And now, we’re super excited to share our absolute picks of the bunch with you! Scroll on to find hot chocolate recipes for all tastes and all seasons.
the classic hot choccy
Let’s start with a timeless favourite. The ideal hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, and this classic hot choccy recipe ticks all the boxes.
the ingredients- 470ml milk (use whole milk if you want some extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (switch out for 1tbsp honey or golden syrup at bedtime)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional but highly recommended unless it’s a bedtime hot chocolate!)
the method
- In a small saucepan, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt together.
- Gradually add the milk and continue whisking until everything is well combined.
- Warm the saucepan over medium heat, stirring every now and again until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into your favourite mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows (if you’re using them). Enjoy!
mexican hot chocolate
For those who like a bit of spice in their life, Mexican hot chocolate is a game changer. The combination of chocolate and spices just works making this recipe simply irresistible. Though a not on this one, as it uses dark chocolate (which has a higher caffeine content than milk) and spices (which can impact digestion), we wouldn’t recommend this recipe as a bed-time option.
the ingredients
- 470ml milk
- 120ml water
- 85g dark chocolate (chopped or grated_
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or more if you like it extra spicy!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
the method
- In a saucepan, combine the water and the milk.
- Heat the liquids over a medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Add the chopped or grated dark chocolate and cocoa powder, and then whisk until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Continue heating the mixture until it’s hot, but be sure to keep stirring!
- Pour it into mugs and get ready to be wowed. And for anyone who’s feeling extra fancy, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top.
peppermint hot chocolate
This one’s perfect for the summer season, Christmas-time, or just anytime you want a refreshing twist on a classic warm drink. The hint of peppermint is just a magical addition that makes this hot choccy recipe sing!
the ingredients
- 470ml milk
- 60 ml double cream
- 85g chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (switch it out for 1tbsp honey or golden syrup if enjoying before bed)
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (if you’re feeling festive)
the method
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, the heavy cream, the cocoa powder, and the sugar. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming.
- Sprinkle in the all-important chocolate chips and stir again until they have melted completely.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Then, pour it into mugs, top with the whipped cream, and sprinkle a pinch of crushed candy canes on top. Cheers!
vegan hot chocolate
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about our vegan friends! This hot chocolate recipe is rich, creamy, and totally dairy-free.
the ingredients
- 470ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or any sweetener of your choice)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Vegan whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
the method
- In a saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, the maple syrup, and a pinch salt.
- Gradually add the almond milk to the pan and continue whisking until smooth.
- Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve in mugs and top with vegan whipped cream or marshmallows. Delight in every sip!
white hot chocolate
Last but by no means least, we’ve got a super special hot chocolate for the white chocolate lovers out there. This white hot chocolate is just the right amounts of creamy and sweet for a bedtime treat. Though, if you are adding this recipe to your bedtime rituals, maybe give the whipped cream a miss.
the ingredients
- 470ml milk
- 85g white chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and white chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
the method
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over a medium until it’s steaming (not boiling).
- Add the white chocolate chips and stir until they’ve melted fully and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs, then top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with white chocolate shavings. Indulge!
conclusion
There you have it, folks! Our top hot chocolate recipes to keep you warm and cosy on cool summer evenings or chilly winter days. Try them all and find out which one is your favourite. Until next time, eve sleep.