Description
A natural, low-sugar, and vegan-friendly hot chocolate recipe perfect for a healthy winter treat. This skinny hot chocolate uses cacao powder and stevia for sweetness, with optional peppermint extract or espresso to make peppermint mocha or mocha variations. Cozy up with a guilt-free, antioxidant-rich warm drink that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 8 oz. milk (any type: soy, almond, etc.)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cacao powder
- 8–10 drops liquid stevia (e.g., Trader Joe’s)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint hot chocolate)
- 1 shot strong brewed coffee or espresso (for mocha or peppermint mocha)
- Whipped cream (optional topping)
Instructions
- Heat and combine milk and cacao: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the milk and cacao powder until the mixture is smooth and heated through. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid scorching.
- Add sweetness: Add 8-10 drops of liquid stevia, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Mix well.
- Add peppermint flavor (optional): For peppermint hot chocolate, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, adding a few drops at a time until the desired flavor is achieved.
- Make mocha variation (optional): To turn your hot chocolate into a mocha or peppermint mocha, add a shot of strong brewed coffee or espresso into the mixture and stir well.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the hot chocolate or mocha into mugs. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any plant-based milk to keep the recipe vegan.
- Adjust stevia drops based on your sweetness preference.
- Carefully add peppermint extract a few drops at a time to prevent overpowering the drink.
- Adding espresso turns this drink into a low-sugar skinny mocha.
- Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy flavonoids.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds indulgence without added sugar if unsweetened cream is used.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy hot chocolate, skinny hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, low sugar hot cocoa, vegan hot chocolate, cacao hot chocolate, stevia sweetened drink, winter warm beverage
