Okay, let’s get something straight before I start talking about how to make spiced hot chocolate. I love classic hot chocolate with marshmallows.
It’s classic, warm, cozy – just perfect. But this festive spiced hot chocolate. It’s on a completely another level.
The first time I tried this cinnamon hot cocoa recipe, I knew it would be good, how can hot chocolate ever be bad? But I wasn’t ready for this. I’m talking about smooth, warm, cozy, spiced heavenly drink. I am fully hooked. I have been thinking about it all day long.
Who knew cocoa, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a few tiny little cloves could team up so well.
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What Is Spicy Hot Chocolate?
Imagine the classic hot chocolate everyone knows, but better! Ginger hot chocolate infused with a mix of wonderful spices. Every spice brings its own personality, but together? They are surreal!
Fun fact: spiced hot chocolate goes all the way back to the Mayans and Aztecs. They are legends, right? They basically invented rich, spiced chocolate drinks long before we did. Add that to their long list of miracles.
And even though I call it “festive” this isn’t a Christmas season only drink. Make it whenever you want. I just found it around Christmas so now it feels extra magical to me.
What You’ll Need To Make Spicy Hot Cocoa
Oat Milk – Use what you have, but I love plant-based milk here because it keeps things light and lets the spices shine.
Good cocoa powder – Go for quality chocolate cocoa powder. Dark or regular, just make sure it tastes amazing. This is your base.
Cinnamon – Powder or stick, both work. Cinnamon brings that warm, cozy holiday feeling.
Ground ginger – This spice is the star of the show. It gives the drink that little kick.
Nutmeg – Freshly grated is the best, but the powdered nutmeg also works great.
Cloves – few tiny cloves will do wonders here. This fresh intense flavour is what you’ll notice once you take the first sip.
Black pepper –Just a pinch. Trust me on this, it makes the flavours pop beautifully.
Maple syrup – Sweet, cozy and perfect. You can use honey or sugar, but good maple syrup is the winner here.
Salt – Just a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Cayenne pepper (optional) – For those who like an extra kick.
Festive Spiced Hot Chocolate
Course: DrinksCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy1
serving5
minutes10
minutes195
kcal15
minutesLearn how to make spiced hot chocolate with cinnamon, ginger, and festive flavours. Simple spiced hot cocoa is perfect Christmas treat.
Ingredients
1 cup oat milk
1 tbsp chocolate cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder or 1 stick
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 cloves
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of salt
Mini marshmallows (obviously)
Directions
- Warm your milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let it boil.
- Stir in the vanilla and maple syrup.
- Add all your dry spices and cocoa powder. Whisk well until everything is smooth and smelling amazing.
- Let it heat up until it starts to gently bubble and the spices get cozy in there.
- Pour it into your favourite mug through a strainer (so you don’t drink the cloves).
- Top with mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a little grated chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- You can sprinkle some cayenne pepper for some extra kick. Trust me it will be just the right touch of spiciness.
How To Serve The Spicy Hot Cocoa
You can totally take it a step further and make an adults-only version too!
Just add a little splash of Kahlua or Baileys and… wow. It gets even better than it already is.
Enjoy!
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
