The Ultimate Cosy Companion: 5 Hot Chocolate Recipes to Warm Your Soul (Vegan & Spiked Options Included!)
Curled up on the sofa on a chilly winter’s afternoon or the call of the firepit on a Summer’s evening, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot chocolate.
It’s a classic treat that evokes feelings of nostalgia and cosiness. But why stick to the ordinary when you can elevate your hot chocolate experience?
In this blog post, I wanted to share with you 5 of the best hot chocolate recipes I’ve found, complete with vegan alternatives and delightful alcoholic twists.
1. The Classic Indulgence: Rich Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate
This recipe is the foundation of all great hot chocolates. It’s rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying.
* Ingredients:
* 2 cups milk (or your favorite vegan alternative, like oat or almond milk)
* 4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
* 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * Pinch of salt
* Instructions:
* In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming, but not boiling.
* Add the chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt.
* Whisk continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
* Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows, whipped cream (or vegan whipped cream), or chocolate shavings.
* Vegan Option:
Simply substitute dairy milk with your preferred vegan milk and use maple syrup as a sweetener.
* Alcoholic Twist:
* Add 1-2 ounces of dark rum or chocolate liqueur to each mug for a warm, boozy kick.
2. The Spicy Sensation: Mexican Hot Chocolate – For those who crave a little heat, Mexican hot chocolate is the perfect choice.
* Ingredients:
* 2 cups milk (or vegan milk)
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder (or cayenne pepper)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (or agave nectar)
* Pinch of salt
* Instructions:
Follow the same heating and melting instructions as the classic recipe.
* Add the cinnamon, chili powder, sugar (or agave), and salt along with the chocolate.
* Whisk until smooth and frothy.
* Vegan Option: * Use vegan milk and agave nectar.
* Alcoholic Twist: * Add a splash of tequila or a cinnamon liqueur.
3. The Peppermint Perfection: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A festive and refreshing twist on the classic.
* Ingredients:
* 2 cups milk (or vegan milk)
* 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
* Optional: crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
Follow the same heating and melting instructions as the classic recipe.
* add the peppermint extract when the chocolate is melted.
* Garnish with crushed candy canes.
Vegan Option:
Ensure to use vegan white chocolate, and a vegan milk.
Alcoholic Twist:
* Peppermint Schnapps, or a vanilla vodka are excellent additions.
4. The Nutty Delight: Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
For a rich and nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups milk (or vegan milk)
* 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
* 2 tablespoons hazelnut spread (like Nutella, or a vegan hazelnut spread)
* Optional: chopped hazelnuts for garnish. * Instructions:
Follow the same heating and melting instructions as the classic recipe.
* Add the hazelnut spread along with the chocolate.
* Garnish with chopped hazelnuts.
Vegan Option:
* Ensure the hazelnut spread and milk are vegan.
Alcoholic Twist:
* Frangelico hazelnut liqueur is a perfect pairing.
5. The Coconut Cream Dream: Coconut Hot Chocolate
A tropical and creamy variation.
Ingredients:
* 1 can full-fat coconut milk
* 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
* 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup
* Optional: toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
* In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat.
* Add the chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
* Whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
* Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Vegan Option:
This recipe is naturally vegan!
Alcoholic Twist:
* Coconut rum is a fantastic addition to this recipe.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Chocolate:
– Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the hot chocolate.
– Don’t boil the milk: Boiling can scald the milk and alter the flavor.
– Whisk continuously: This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
– Remember you can customize your toppings: Get creative with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and more.
– Alcohol addition: Add alcohol after the hot chocolate is heated. Adding it before can cause some of the alcohol to evaporate.
Hot chocolate is a versatile and comforting beverage that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Whether you prefer a classic, spicy, or nutty version, there’s a recipe for everyone. And with vegan and alcoholic options, you can customize your hot chocolate to suit your preferences.
So, grab your favourite mug, cosy up, and enjoy a warm and delicious treat!
Supporting Local Artisans: A Gift that Gives Back.
Do take a look at where you find a beautiful handmade mug for your hot chocolate – Here are where my ceramics are currently stocked.