Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

These days, almond milk is a standard option at almost all cafes and restaurants. The one downside is the cost attached it to it- I am yet to find somewhere that does NOT charge a added fee to have your beverage made with almond milk. Luckily, you can easily make your own almond milk drinks at home. While I love myself a latte, when the sweet cravings strike, I love a cozy hot chocolate made with almond milk!

Why this almond milk hot chocolate recipe will be a keeper-

• Stovetop or microwave. You can either make this beverage over the stovetop or an even quicker method, in the microwave!
• Better than pre-packaged hot cocoa mix. Skip the preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and dairy additives. This homemade version tastes so much better, too!
• Perfect hot or cold. Okay, this might be an oxymoron but blame Starbucks for it- Serve this hot chocolate over ice for the ultimate Starbucks copycat iced beverage…minus the price tag and dairy!

What I love about this recipe is just how affordable and easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients and you definitely DON’T need the ridiculous costs too. Make one at home in seconds and pair it with some coffee cake for the ultimate afternoon treat!

Can you make hot chocolate with almond milk?

Hot chocolate made with almond milk is perhaps the best way to enjoy a hot cocoa, minus the dairy! Here is what you’ll need to make it.

The Ingredients.

• Cocoa powder– Unsweetened cocoa powder. For a richer flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder.
• Sugar– White or brown sugar.
• Salt– Just a pinch to balance out the sweet ingredients.
• Boiling water– To dissolve the dry ingredients and form a thin ‘syrup’.
• Almond milk– Unsweetened almond milk. If you use vanilla almond milk, you can omit the vanilla extract.
• Vanilla extract– Any recipe calling for cocoa powder MUST have some vanilla extract in it.

The Instructions.

Start by adding the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and boiling water into a small saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce it to a simmer. Slowly add in the almond milk while whisking vigorously. Once it is fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and let it simmer for another five minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour into glasses. Add some marshmallows, whipped cream, or grated chocolate and enjoy immediately.

Can I make these low calorie?

For a low calorie hot chocolate, replace the white sugar with a zero calorie sugar alternative, like a brown sugar substitute. With these changes, each serving of hot chocolate (one cup/250 ml) yields just 38 calories!

Tips to make the best recipe

• For the creamiest and smoothest beverage, use an almond milk barista blend. This almond milk has been specially formulated for hot beverages to ensure they never curdle or separate.
• You can skip the stovetop method and simply prepare everything in the mug and microwave it for 1-2 minutes until hot. Be sure to whisk vigorously before drinking.
• For an iced hot chocolate, pour the prepared hot chocolate over ice.

Storing and reheating instructions

• To store: Prepared hot chocolate should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
• To reheat: Either microwave the beverage for 30-40 seconds or in a small saucepan over the stove. Be sure to whisk everything together very well, to ensure there is no separation.

Ingredients

• ▢1/4 cup cocoa powder
• ▢3 tablespoons sugar or granulated sweetener
• ▢1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢1/4 cup boiling water
• ▢3 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• ▢1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• • In a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, add the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and boiling water and whisk until combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil.
  • Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the almond milk, ensuring there is no separation. Whisk in the vanilla extract and let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes.

• Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and pour into four glasses.