This Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is a warm hug in a mug! With rich chocolate and a hint of vanilla, it’s a cozy drink that also looks fabulous with its bright red color.
Who knew hot chocolate could be so fancy? I love making it on chilly days and topping it with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s almost too pretty to drink! ☕❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This recipe shines with whole milk for its creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, almond milk or oat milk can work well. Just keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for a rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a less acidic taste. Just make sure it’s a high-quality cocoa for the best results.
White Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the flavor, making it more like classic red velvet. If you don’t have either, you can skip it—though I recommend trying it!
Red Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of food coloring to get your desired shade of red. If you prefer natural options, beet juice can be a fun substitute, although it will change the flavor slightly.
White Chocolate Chips: They add creaminess to the drink but are optional. If you don’t have them, you could try using sweetened condensed milk instead for a thicker texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Hot Chocolate?
Getting the right texture is key to a great hot chocolate! Start by making a smooth paste with cocoa powder, sugar, and a little milk. This step avoids lumps.
- Whisk together dry ingredients first, then slowly add milk while stirring.
- Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- If you want it super creamy, add white chocolate chips once you remove it from heat.
Giving it a little TLC during the cooking process will lead to that velvety, smooth hot chocolate you crave!
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (adjust to desired red intensity)
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Red and gold sprinkles, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Red Velvet Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a cozy treat on a cold day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cocoa Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Next, add about 1/4 cup of the whole milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until it’s a smooth paste without any lumps. This step is crucial for a smooth hot chocolate!
2. Heat the Mixture:
Now, pour in the rest of the milk into the saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and stir constantly. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat just when it gets hot but isn’t boiling. This helps maintain a creamy texture!
3. Flavor it Up:
Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, the white vinegar or lemon juice, and the red food coloring. Mix until everything is well blended. The vinegar gives that classic red velvet tang, making the hot chocolate even more special.
4. Ensure Creaminess:
If you want extra creaminess, add the white chocolate chips at this point. Stir until they melt completely and you have a smooth mixture. Yum!
5. Serve with Flair:
Pour the beautiful red hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top generously with fluffy whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of red and gold sprinkles for that festive touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and share the joy of this deliciously rich and velvety drink with friends and family. Perfect for cozy moments!
Can I Use a Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as excellent substitutes for whole milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, especially with flavored non-dairy milks.
What Can I Use Instead of White Vinegar?
If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use lemon juice as a substitute, as it provides a similar acidity that enhances the flavors. You can also skip it entirely if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If there’s any leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Hot Chocolate?
Yes, you can definitely adjust the sugar to your preference. Start with the recommended amount and taste the mixture before serving. Feel free to add more sugar if you like it sweeter!