Hot Chocolate Recipe Without Milk (2024)

Hot chocolate is such a great winter drink, especially for kids! It's not just for kids, though. Adults love their warm cups of cocoa too. Hot chocolate is one of those classic recipes that never gets old, no matter how often you make it. It's comforting and cozy, and let's face it...it just tastes good!

If you're looking for an easy hot chocolate recipe without milk, this one is sure to please! It minutes to make, and there's no need to add any dairy products or sugar (unless you want to). This hot chocolate recipe is vegan friendly too!

Why this recipe works

This easy hot chocolate recipe is dairy-free, so it's a good option if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. It's also made with coconut milk, giving it a rich and creamy texture similar to regular hot chocolate. This drink is perfect for kids, adults, and everyone in between! If you are looking for a Mexican-style hot chocolate made with creamy oat milk, I have a recipe for that as well.

Substitutes

Making hot chocolate without whole milk is easy to enjoy this beverage without all the extra calories and fat.

If you're looking for a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, there are many options for non-dairy milk. For example, you can use almond milk instead of regular or dairy-free milk such as coconut or soy milk. Rice milk is also an option.

Water: If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can use hot water instead of milk. Water will dilute the chocolate flavor and make the drink more like coffee.

If you make hot chocolate with water, it is best to use a high-quality dark chocolate bar. Milk makes a big difference in the taste of this drink, so if you don't have access to fresh milk, consider using organic powdered milk or soy milk.

To make hot chocolate with water, use 1 ounce (30 grams) of dark chocolate per cup of boiling water. Add the chocolate to the boiling water and stir until melted. Then add sugar

You'll also want to consider using dark chocolate versus semi-sweet or even bittersweet chocolate—darker chocolates have more cocoa solids (the part that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside).

To add extra flavor and richness without adding too much sweetness, try putting in some vanilla or peppermint extract before heating up your hot chocolate!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: regular cocoa powder will work for this recipe but make sure you are considering any added sugar that you'll be including with your toppings or mix-ins
• ¼ cup coconut milk, canned or homemade
• 3 tablespoon maple syrup, grade B or dark amber (use less if you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from one whole vanilla bean pod)
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions

This hot chocolate recipe is simple and delicious. It's perfect for winter, but you can make it any time of year.

Add sugar and chocolate to a small saucepan over medium heat. You can also heat it in a slow cooker if you're making it for a crowd. Stirring occasionally, cook until the chocolate and sugar are melted, and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the hot chocolate into cups, garnished with whipped cream or mini marshmallows if you'd like (optional).

Fancy Toppings

A few fancy toppings can make your hot chocolate feel like a treat!

• Whipped coconut cream: For a decadent topping, whip 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk in a high-speed blender until fluffy. If you don't have a mixer, put your chilled can of coconut milk in the freezer for 30 minutes and then take it out and whisk with a fork.
• Cocoa nibs: These crunchy little morsels are made by drying out cocoa beans at low temperatures, preserving their raw flavor while producing an intense chocolate experience without adding sugar or fat.
• Peppermint candy cane: This is optional but adds a festive holiday flavor to your drink! Just break off one end of each candy cane piece and use it as desired!
• For a rich chocolate flavor adding in a melted chocolate bar

Serving Suggestions

If you're not a big fan of plain hot chocolate, try these simple additions:

Add 1 tablespoon of rum or brandy to your mug before adding the hot chocolate.

Dust with cinnamon (or add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon) before serving.

for added natural sweetness adding pure maple syrup can

Sprinkle with cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cloves, and/or ginger before serving (be careful if using cayenne—it has quite a kick!).