If you're still using powdered packets, it's time for an upgrade. This Homemade Hot Chocolate is creamy, cozy, and ridiculously easy - like, throw-it-together-on-a-whim easy. Whether you're sipping it plain or adding a splash of something boozy, it's the ultimate winter drink that warms you right down to your fuzzy socks.
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Chilly night, soft blanket, and a big mug of homemade hot chocolate - pure comfort, right? This is our go-to recipe when we want something rich and cozy without a lot of fuss. Just five simple ingredients (real chocolate included!) and you're sipping in minutes.
Craving something a little more indulgent? Our Chocolate Martini is another treat we love when the couch and slippers are calling.
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Why you'll love this Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Comes together in minutes with pantry staples - this homemade hot chocolate couldn't be easier.
- Rich, chocolatey flavor that's totally customizable (dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate all work).
- Way better than anything from a powdered mix but just as easy to make.
- Easy to make ahead for a crowd (or just yourself on repeat).
- Kid-friendly as-is, but with built-in options for a boozy twist.
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
You can make hot chocolate from scratch that is far superior to any mix with just five simple ingredients!
- Chocolate: Use a good-quality baking chocolate bar for the smoothest texture. Dark chocolate gives it that rich, deep cocoa flavor (Scharffen Berger 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate is my favorite). Not a dark chocolate fan? Go for semi-sweet or milk chocolate, but you might want to dial down the sugar a bit.
- Cocoa Powder: Make sure it's unsweetened, not a mix. This adds depth and that classic cocoa vibe.
- Milk: Whole milk makes it super creamy, but 2% works fine, too. Oat milk or other non-dairy milks? Totally doable, just know it may affect richness.
- Sugar: The recipe is balanced but not overly sweet. Taste as you go, especially if you're using a sweeter chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Instructions
Just a few ingredients and a saucepan - Here's how to make it happen.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved and everything is combined.
- Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Don't rush this step (low and slow melts the chocolate perfectly). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs and serve as-is for a cozy classic or spike it with your favorite spirit (see below!).
Best alcohol for Boozy hot chocolate
Make your mug extra merry with one of these boozy add-ins. Stir 2-3 ounces into each mug after pouring:
- Baileys (classic Irish cream)
- Kahlúa (coffee + chocolate = yes please)
- Peppermint Schnapps (like a liquid Thin Mint)
- Brandy or dark rum (warm and rich)
- Vanilla vodka (smooth and subtle)
Serving a group? Leave the hot chocolate booze-free and let guests spike their own mugs with whatever they like best.
FAQs
A good-quality baking chocolate bar melts smoothly and gives the richest flavor. Skip the chocolate chips if you can - they tend to melt unevenly.
Yes! Oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk all work. The texture won't be quite as rich as whole milk, but it'll still be delicious.
About 2 to 3 ounces per 8-ounce mug is a good starting point. Adjust to taste depending how strong your booze is.
Definitely. Add all the ingredients (except alcohol) to your slow cooker, whisk well, and heat on low for 2-3 hours. Stir before serving and let guests add their own booze.
Let any leftover hot chocolate cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Helpful tips We Swear By
- Use chopped chocolate, not chips. Chocolate chips can melt unevenly and turn grainy. Baking bars melt like a dream.
- Make it ahead. Prep the hot chocolate base and stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently rewarm (and add optional booze) just before serving.
- Scaling up? Double or triple the recipe for a party. Keep it warm in a slow cooker and let guests spike their own mugs.
- Serving kids and adults? Leave the alcohol out of the base. Put out bottles and let the grown-ups DIY their add-ins.
More No-Booze Drinks
You can find even more drink recipes in our archives!
Made this? Loved it? Tell us everything!
Leave a quick star rating and comment below so we can trade tips and cheer each other on.
Who knows? Your twist might become someone else's new favorite!
Recipe
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large marshmallows, optional
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Instructions
- Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk together over medium heat until sugar dissolves.3 cups whole milk, 3 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add chocolate to pan and whisk until smooth and chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.3 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Divide hot chocolate evenly among two mugs. Garnish with whipped cream or large marshmallows on cocktail picks, if desired.4 large marshmallows, optional
Notes
- A chocolate bar from the baking aisle will melt the most smoothly. Chocolate chips can be used in a pinch but may result in a grainy hot chocolate if they don't melt cleanly. Do not use a chocolate candy bar (like Hershey's).
- Whole milk gives this recipe the best flavor but 2% milk can also be used. Non-dairy milks work, too, but the flavor will be less rich.
- You can swap in semi-sweet or milk chocolate for the bittersweet chocolate if you prefer. You may need to dial back the sugar if using a sweeter chocolate.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for a larger group.
- You can make this hot chocolate ahead of time, if needed. Make the recipe as directed. Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently rewarm on the stovetop until just simmering.
Best alcohol for hot chocolate:
Aged spirits, flavored spirits and cream liqueurs work best in this recipe as their flavors meld nicely with the rich chocolate and milk mixture.- Aged spirits: rye whiskey, dark rum, brandy.
- Flavored spirits: vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps.
- Liqueurs: Kahlua, Irish Cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur.
Slow Cooker instructions:
Place all ingredients except alcohol in the bowl of a crock pot. Whisk together and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally so the chocolate doesn't stick to the bottom. Reduce heat to warm and whisk thoroughly before serving. If using, stir alcohol into individual mugs of hot chocolate.VIDEO
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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