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:
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Easy Spicy Hot Cocoa
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup together. Stir to combine. Do not let boil.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted.
- Add in the spices.
- Let simmer for about 10 minutes, gently stirring as necessary.
- 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.
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy spicy hot cocoa, hot cocoa, spicy hot cocoa, drinks, wintertime drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
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