Best Hot Chocolate Recipes - Homemade with Cocoa, Chocolate, Spices

Hot chocolate is a favorite comfort drink designed to bribe you to sleep, relax or simply enjoy something hot and sweet. It is opulent and can be restrained, but a low-cal hot chocolate is a contradiction and hardly worth considering.

Why would you bother? All genuine homemade hot chocolate recipes contain cocoa or chocolate, sometimes both. However, it is what you add to the base ingredients that makes all the difference.

Forget those fake hot chocolate powders you can buy and learn to make the real thing, just the way you like it.

Discover some of the best hot chocolate recipes ever conceived to get you started on the path to hot chocolate perfection.

The fabulous recipes provided in this article include spiked and spiced hot chocolate recipes, and those made with milk, cream, yogurt, sugar and coffee. Enjoy!

Hot chocolate can be very comforting and warming way to induce sleep and relaxation
Hot chocolate can be very comforting and warming way to induce sleep and relaxation. Source: Public Domain

Rich and Spicy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

Method

Combine the cocoa, sugar, chocolate and chili in a small saucepan. Heat using a medium-low heat setting and whisk vigorously until the chocolate starts to melt. Slowly add the milk and cream while mixing. Add the cinnamon stick and heat until the mixture is just about to simmer. Then remove the pan from the stove. Set aside for 30-60 minutes, if you have time as this helps the full flavors to develop and mesh together. When ready to serve, stain the mixture, add sugar and vanilla to taste. Reheat and serve with whipped cream and marshmallows. 

Simply the Best, Simple Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

Method

Add the sugar to 1/2 cup of water to a pan set to medium-low heat. Mix to dissolve the sugar and then simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the syrup. Add the chocolate and mix until it melts. Then whisk in cocoa, cream and 1/3 cup of milk. Transfer the mixture to a small jug.

Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat till it is just about to simmer, but do not allow to boil. Pour in portions of the warm warm chocolate mixture and top up with hot milk. Serve with whipped cream and marshmallows and a sprinkling of cocoa.

Hot Chocolate Recipes Spiked with Alcohol

Ingredients

Method

Break the chocolate into pieces and add to the milk in a saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, honey and sugar. Heat and mix gently over low-moderate temperature until the chocolate is melted. Add the vanilla and slowly add the rum while whisking. Taste and add more or less sugar and rum to suit your preferences. Remove the cinnamon stick, heat to just below boiling and serve.

Other Ways to Spike Hot Chocolate with Alcohol

► Baileys Irish Cream, topped with a little whiskey. 

► Kahlua goes very well with cinnamon and spices

► Peppermint Schnapps - pairs well with chocolate and cocoa

► Tequila - sounds unusual, but it does work

Double Choc Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

Method

Heat all the ingredients, except for the vanilla, in a saucepan, until the sugar dissolves and the chocolate melts. For added creaminess, pour about half the mixture into a blender and pulse until foamy. Transfer back into the saucepan, heat until just below boiling, mix to combine, add the vanilla and serve hot.


Related Articles and Recipes

=> Dark Chocolate is a Healthy Choice with Many Proven Health Benefits 

=> Easy Chocolate Truffles Recipes with Liqueurs, Mint, Nuts and Spices 

=> Chocolate Truffles Recipes with Liqueurs, Mint, Nuts and Spices 

=> Dutch Chocolate Pastry Balls Recipe, Cream Filled 

=> Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe Collection Spiked with Alcohol and Spices 

=> Best Whoopie Pie Recipes - Red Velvet, Chocolate, Carrot and Walnut 

=> Easy Vegan Chocolate Frosting Recipes 





A nice hot chocolate made by someone else just for you
A nice hot chocolate made by someone else just for you. Source: Public Domain
Hot chocolate - opulent and satisfying!
Hot chocolate - opulent and satisfying!. Source: Public Domain
Hot chocolate is a lovely warm drink for a snack - see the great collection of recipes in this article
Hot chocolate is a lovely warm drink for a snack - see the great collection of recipes in this article. Source: Public Domain
Hot chocolate can be spiced with alcohol - naughty but nice
Hot chocolate can be spiced with alcohol - naughty but nice. Source: Public Domain
Hot chocolate - So Delicious
Hot chocolate - So Delicious. Source: Public Domain
Add cream and marshmallows to your homemade hot chocolate
Add cream and marshmallows to your homemade hot chocolate. Source: Public Domain