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: