Spiced Hot Chocolate Drink (Printable)

Velvety chocolate drink with warming spices perfect for cozy, festive evenings.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups whole milk (preferably 2% or whole)
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)

→ Chocolate

03 - 3 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Sweetener

05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, adjust to taste

→ Spices

06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Whipped cream
12 - Chocolate shavings
13 - Cinnamon stick

# How To Cook:

01 - In a medium saucepan, warm the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
02 - Whisk in the chopped dark chocolate and cocoa powder until completely melted and smooth.
03 - Incorporate sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper if using, vanilla extract, and salt; whisk continuously until fully blended and hot.
04 - Taste the mixture and modify sweetness or spice levels as preferred.
05 - Pour into mugs and optionally garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The spices add a gentle warmth that makes you feel cozy from the inside out, not just sweet.
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes, so you can make it on a whim when the craving hits.
  • You can tweak the heat and sweetness to match your mood or whoever you are sharing it with.
02 -
  • Do not let the milk boil or it will develop a skin and taste flat, so keep the heat at medium and stay nearby.
  • Whisk the cocoa powder in thoroughly or it will clump and leave gritty bits at the bottom of your mug.
  • Taste before serving because different chocolates and spices vary in intensity, and a small adjustment makes a big difference.
03 -
  • Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces so it melts quickly and evenly without leaving chunks.
  • Whisk constantly once you add the spices to prevent them from clumping at the bottom of the pan.
  • Use a pinch of cayenne even if you think you do not like heat, because it adds warmth without making it spicy.

Go Back