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Easy Spicy Hot Cocoa

February 18, 2021 by Emily Leave a Comment

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Hot cocoa on a cold winter day is such a treat. Now take it up a notch with this easy spicy dairy-free version. It will surely keep you warm.

I’ll be honest and admit I wasn’t a big fan of hot cocoa as a child. What?!?! I know, I just wasn’t but good thing that now as an adult I love it! My taste buds must of changed and for the better. Give me a hot cup on a cold winters day to keep warm. Now, I’m taking it up a notch and adding some flare, I mean spice to the mix. This isn’t exactly Mexican hot chocolate or cocoa but it is definitely spicy.

A bonus to making it at home is that you control the ingredients and the amount of sugar. Many coffee shop drinks have more sugar added to them than a regular coke. I’m not against having a sugary drink once in a while but I can’t do it as much as I like drinking these drinks in the fall and winter.

Ingredients

  • Almond milk
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Maple syrup
  • Chocolate chips
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne Pepper

Type of cocoa powder to use

I like using Dutch-processed cocoa powder. My favorite brand is here.

Difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa

These terms are often used interchangeably but there is a difference. Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder. Hot chocolate is made from cocoa beans. Hot cocoa is typically less creamy than hot chocolate. However, the powder is more concentrated making the chocolate flavor more stronger.

Topping Variations

Hot cocoa is kind of like ice cream when it comes to having fun and adding additional toppings. Here are a few I enjoy to add:

  • Marshmallows
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Crushed candy cane
  • Whipped coconut cream
  • Chocolate chips
  • Caramel sauce
  • Extra spices

What you’ll love about this recipe

  • Dairy-free– Where are my dairy-free friends at? I’ve been struggling with dairy lately so making this recipe with almond milk and Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate morsels is a life saver since many coffee shops don’t have dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Spices– Who doesn’t like to take it up a notch? This hot cocoa is totally customize able as you can add more or less of the spices listed.
  • Affordable– This hot cocoa recipe is definitely less than $6 or $7 you’d spend at a coffee shop. Making it at home is more enjoyable and less of a burden on the wallet.
  • Relaxing– Sipping on a cup of hot cocoa can be one of the most relaxing and unwinding things to do for yourself.

Other winter time drinks you might like:

  • Dairy-Free Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
  • Egg Nog Protein Shake
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Easy Spicy Hot Cocoa


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Hot cocoa on a cold winter day is such a treat. Now take it up a notch with this easy spicy dairy-free version. It will surely keep you warm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup together. Stir to combine. Do not let boil.
  2. Stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted.
  3. Add in the spices.
  4. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, gently stirring as necessary.
  5. Remove from heat and enjoy or place in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, don’t let the spices sit for too long in the mixture before drinking. 
  • For a stronger flavor, let the spices sit for 20-30 minutes before drinking.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy spicy hot cocoa, hot cocoa, spicy hot cocoa, drinks, wintertime drinks, non-alcoholic drinks

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @emilyswholesomekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #emilyswholesomekitchen

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Filed Under: Dairy Free, Drinks, Gluten-Free Tagged With: dairy-free, drinks, easy spicy hot cocoa, gluten-free, hotcocoa, non-alcoholic drinks, spicy hot cocoa, wintertime drinks

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Howdy ya’ll!

I'm so happy you are here! I'm Emily the photographer, recipe developer and content creator behind Emily's Wholesome Kitchen. Here you will find healthy, simple real food based recipes that are wholesome, nourishing and flavorful. I also share tips and ways to live a more natural lifestyle when it comes to wellness from inside the kitchen. Let's get cookin'. Learn more about me here

Emily: View My Blog Posts

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