7 Creative Recipes for DIY Hot Chocolate

Creative Recipes to Enhance Your Hot Chocolate 

Hot chocolate is always a good idea, and homemade hot chocolate is even better— it's healthy, rich, and always satisfying.

These seven recipes offer multiple ways for you to add a touch of flair and flavor to your drinking chocolate. For each, all you need are a couple minutes, T.Cacao 100% Organic Cacao Powder, and a few extra ingredients.

*Recipes provided by Kristell Gathoye.

Hot Chocolate Base Preparation

The base for all these recipes is a traditional cup of hot chocolate. For an average-sized mug (11 - 13 oz), dilute 4 generous teaspoons of T. Cacao powder into hot milk. You can also use hot water or any alternative to dairy. If you want to achieve that ‘coffee shop’ froth, simply whisk energetically.

1. The Brit: Earl Grey

Up the flavor of your hot chocolate with a simple infusion of earl grey tea:

1. Soak an Earl Grey tea bag in your hot chocolate for a few minutes.
   

2. Remove the teabag and enjoy. 

2. The Spicy: Cardamom, Cinnamon, or Nutmeg

Give your hot chocolate the traditional holiday taste with your favorite warming spice. Add 1 Tsp of Cardamom, Cinnamon, or Nutmeg. And, if you like, you can sprinkle some on top as well.

3. The Fruity: Blackcurrant Jam, Raspberry Coulis, or Banana

If you enjoy your drinks on the sweeter side, then this one might be just for you. Add 1 Tbsp of Blackcurrant jam, Raspberry coulis, or mashed banana to your mug for a sweet surprise. 

4. The Boozy: Baileys, Cointreau, Amaretto

Turn your DIY hot chocolate into a delicious cocktail with a small shot (5/10ml) of either Baileys, Cointreau, or Amaretto.

5. The Nutty: Peanut, Almond, or Cashew Nut Butter

Chocolate with nut butter has always been a beloved pairing. Add 1 Tbsp of Peanut, Cashew, or Almond butter to your homemade hot chocolate to give it that nutty boost in flavor.

6. The Fiery: Chili, Sichuan Pepper, or Ginger

Spice up your drink with ¼ Tsp of Chili, Sichuan pepper, or Ginger powder. Instead of using powder, you can also let a chili pepper sit in your hot chocolate for a few minutes. 

7. The Chilled: Iced Chocolate – Orange Blossom, Rose, or Lavender

If you're not quite in the mood for something warm, you can chill your cup of drinking chocolate. Then, enhance the flavor with a light floral addition: 

1. Dilute the cacao powder with a bit of warmed milk (hot water or a Dairy alternative works as well) to form a paste.

2. Mix in 2-3 drops of Orange Blossom water, Rosewater, or Lavender water. (You can also infuse the warm milk with dried lavender and sift it out)

3. Add cold milk (or water / Dairy alternative) and ice cubes.

4. Shake or whisk for a foamy finish

DIY Hot Chocolate — Endless Possibilities 

There's no drink quite as comforting as a cup of homemade hot chocolate. What makes it even better is the fact that you can customize it however you wish.

Each of these seven recipes makes for a quick and creative way of elevating your DIY hot chocolate experience. Pick one that pairs well with the current  season. Or, simply choose whichever calls to you at the moment. Either way, enjoy never being bored with your hot chocolate again.

After you’ve tried all these options, don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen. There are tons of add-ins that can give your drink a new and flavorful twist.