Hot Chocolate [The Cozy Cocoa Remix]

Rich, creamy hot chocolate made with real premium ingredients that warm you from the inside out with every luxurious sip. This is comfort in a mug that makes cold days magical, featuring deep chocolate flavor and velvety texture that rivals the finest European cafés.

Makes

Serves 4

Total Time

15 min (5 min prep)

Ingredients

For Rich Hot Chocolate:
4 cups (960ml) unsweetened almond milk or whole milk
1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1/3 cup (70g) coconut sugar or raw cane sugar
4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
2 tsp (10ml) pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp (1g) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1.5g) sea salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for warmth)

For Toppings:
Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
Mini marshmallows or vegan marshmallows
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for dusting

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Add 1 tablespoon collagen peptides for protein and gut lining support that dissolves completely without affecting taste. Include 1 teaspoon coconut oil for healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides that support digestive health. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon raw cacao for additional antioxidants and prebiotic properties. Consider adding 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for digestive support and warming properties. Use bone broth protein powder (chocolate flavored) for additional gut-healing nutrients and enhanced protein content.

Remix Options

Milk Alternatives: Use full-fat coconut milk for ultimate richness, cashew milk for creaminess, or oat milk for natural sweetness and body. Sweetener Options: Replace coconut sugar with pure maple syrup, raw honey, or stevia for different sweetness profiles and dietary needs. Flavor Variations: Add peppermint extract for minty freshness, orange zest for citrus notes, or espresso powder for mocha richness. Spice Blends: Try Mexican-style with chili powder and cinnamon, chai-inspired with cardamom and ginger, or lavender for floral sophistication. Protein Boost: Include nut butter, protein powder, or Greek yogurt for enhanced nutrition and sustained energy. International Styles: Italian bicerin with espresso, French chocolat chaud with cream, or Spanish chocolate con churros thickness. Healthy Upgrades: Add maca powder for energy, ashwagandha for stress relief, or turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits.

Good To Know

Chocolate Quality: Dark chocolate with 70% cacao provides rich flavor and antioxidants while coconut sugar adds molasses notes that enhance chocolate complexity. Cocoa Powder Tip: Sift cocoa powder to eliminate lumps and ensure smooth, velvety texture throughout the hot chocolate base. Temperature Control: Heat milk gently to steaming (not boiling) to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency without curdling. Whisking Technique: Constant whisking while adding dry ingredients prevents lumps and creates perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality hot chocolate. Spice Integration: Cinnamon and cayenne add warmth and depth while salt enhances chocolate flavor perception and balances sweetness. Chocolate Melting: Finely chopped chocolate melts faster and more evenly, creating silky texture without grainy residue. Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare base up to 2 days ahead and gently reheat, whisking to restore smooth consistency. Serving Tips: Warm mugs in low oven beforehand to maintain temperature longer and enhance the cozy experience. Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently while whisking to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.

steps

Heat:

Pour almond milk into medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until steaming and small bubbles form around edges, but do not allow to boil.

Whisk:

Gradually whisk in sifted cocoa powder, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming and ensure completely smooth, uniform chocolate base.

Sweeten:

Add coconut sugar and finely chopped dark chocolate, whisking continuously until sugar dissolves completely and chocolate melts into silky, rich mixture.

Flavor:

Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, and optional cayenne pepper, whisking to distribute flavors evenly throughout the hot chocolate.

Simmer:

Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent sticking and develop deep, rich chocolate flavor.

Taste:

Remove from heat and taste, adjusting sweetness with additional sugar or depth with more cocoa powder as desired for perfect personal preference.

Serve:

Pour into warmed mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings. Serve immediately while piping hot for ultimate comfort and satisfaction.