Need more winter drinks? Try my peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, or almond milk eggnog next. Just because some of us are avoiding dairy doesn’t mean we should have to miss out on all the winter drink staples– quite the contrary. My healthy hot chocolate recipe uses almond milk, which adds a silky smooth texture and natural sweetness you don’t get from regular milk.
Why I love this recipe
Stovetop or microwave methods. Simmer it over the stovetop or make a single-serving in seconds using the microwave. Better than pre-packaged hot cocoa mix. Skip the preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and dairy additives. My homemade version is far superior! Perfect hot or cold. Okay, this might be an oxymoron, but blame Starbucks for that. Simply pour it over ice for the ultimate copycat Starbucks drink…minus the price tag!
Ingredients needed
Cocoa powder. I used Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder, which has a mellow, rich chocolate flavor. For a more bittersweet flavor, use dark cocoa powder. I tested cacao powder and found it made the hot chocolate WAY too bitter. Sugar. I used white sugar, but I also tested brown sugar and pure maple syrup, which were equally delicious. Salt. Just a pinch of salt does wonders for balancing out the sweet ingredients. Water. To dissolve the dry ingredients and form a thin ‘syrup.’ Almond milk. Unsweetened almond milk. If you use vanilla almond milk, you can omit the vanilla extract. Vanilla extract. A must for hot chocolate.
How to make almond milk hot chocolate
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Simmer. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and boiling water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Step 2- Add almond milk. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the almond milk, ensuring no separation. Whisk in the vanilla extract and let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes. Step 3- Serve. Remove the hot chocolate from the stove and pour into four glasses.
Arman’s recipe tips
Look for almond milk ‘barista blend.’ This is a type of almond milk specially formulated for hot drinks to prevent separation. Taste test. This is your hot chocolate, so give it a taste and add more sweetener or cocoa as needed. Cut the calories. Swap the sugar for stevia or keto brown sugar.
Storage instructions
To store: Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Yes, if you’d rather microwave a single serving of hot chocolate, you can. Add the ingredients to a microwave-safe mug and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Stir vigorously before drinking, or froth with a milk frother.
Thicken it up. If you’ve wanted to try sipping chocolate, now’s your chance. Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips with the liquid and simmer until thick and creamy. Make iced hot chocolate. Store the hot chocolate, uncovered, in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes, then pour it over ice. I’ve also been known to make hot chocolate ice cubes for this very occasion! Make peppermint hot chocolate. Swap the vanilla for ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Garnish. No hot chocolate is complete without a little whipped cream and marshmallows!
To reheat: Microwave for 30-40 seconds or heat in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Whisk well before enjoying.
Frequently asked questions
More recipes using almond milk
Almond milk milkshake Almond milk smoothie Almond milk ice cream Almond milk pancakes
