Hot Chocolate
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy. Once you’ve tasted homemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate, you’ll never go back to the powdered mix. Rich and creamy (and made even better with a splash of whiskey!), it’s the perfect cozy drink to warm you up on a cold day. Real hot chocolate—made with actual chocolate, not a powdered mix—is such a treat! It’s like sipping on a melted milk chocolate bar. And if you add a splash of booze (which I highly recommend!), it’ll warm your bones from the inside out. Whether you make it the grown-up way or keep it kid-friendly, no one will want to go back to the easy cocoa mix once they’ve tried this homemade hot chocolate recipe! Top it off with whipped cream, marshmallows, or both for the coziest, most indulgent drink ever. “OMGosh! We have a local bakery near by. The kids and I go there for a special treat because their hot cocoa is the best…this recipe is even better!” What You’ll Need To Make Hot Chocolate Whole Milk: The base for the drink. Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, making the hot chocolate extra indulgent and smooth. Dark Brown Sugar: Sweetens the drink while adding a slight molasses flavor. Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolatey flavor, bringing a deep, intense chocolate note to the drink. Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Bittersweet Chocolate: Provides chocolatey richness and gives the drink a luxurious texture. Chocolate in bar form melts best, but chocolate chips can be used as a substitute. Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Whiskey or Bourbon: Optional for adult versions to add a warm, boozy kick. Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements Whole Milk: The base for the drink. Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, making the hot chocolate extra indulgent and smooth. Dark Brown Sugar: Sweetens the drink while adding a slight molasses flavor. Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolatey flavor, bringing a deep, intense chocolate note to the drink. Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Bittersweet Chocolate: Provides chocolatey richness and gives the drink a luxurious texture. Chocolate in bar form melts best, but chocolate chips can be used as a substitute. Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Whiskey or Bourbon: Optional for adult versions to add a warm, boozy kick. Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements Step-by-Step Instructions You May Also Like RecipeComments (5)Add Comment Recipe Comments (5) Add Comment Ingredients For the Hot Chocolate 1 quart whole milk 1 cup heavy cream ¼ cup (packed) dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder Pinch salt 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Whiskey or bourbon, optional for serving (rum or tequila may be substituted) 1 quart whole milk 1 cup heavy cream ¼ cup (packed) dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder Pinch salt 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Whiskey or bourbon, optional for serving (rum or tequila may be substituted) For the Sweetened Whipped Cream ½ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions For the Hot Chocolate In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over high heat. Bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat; add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted. Ladle into mugs and top each drink with 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon, or the desired amount, and whipped cream, if desired. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over high heat. Bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat; add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted. Ladle into mugs and top each drink with 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon, or the desired amount, and whipped cream, if desired. For the Sweetened Whipped Cream In a cold medium bowl, whip the cream with a whisk until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and continue whipping until cream holds its shape. In a cold medium bowl, whip the cream with a whisk until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and continue whipping until cream holds its shape. Nutrition Information Powered by Per serving (6 servings) Calories: 511 Fat: 31 g Saturated fat: 19 g Carbohydrates: 40 g Sugar: 36 g Fiber: 3 g Protein: 8 g Sodium: 112 mg Cholesterol: 61 mg Per serving (6 servings) Calories: 511 Fat: 31 g Saturated fat: 19 g Carbohydrates: 40 g Sugar: 36 g Fiber: 3 g Protein: 8 g Sodium: 112 mg Cholesterol: 61 mg This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Gluten-Free Adaptable Note To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free. 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