This Espresso Hot Chocolate is the perfect cozy drink for chilly days, blending the bold richness of espresso with the velvety smoothness of hot chocolate. It’s an indulgent and warming treat that’s sure to satisfy both coffee and chocolate lovers alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Espresso Hot Chocolate is the best of both worlds—rich, creamy hot chocolate with the bold kick of espresso. The combination of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk creates a velvety smooth drink, while the espresso adds a deep, robust flavor that takes it to the next level. Topped with whipped cream, this is the ultimate comfort drink for when you need a little indulgence on a cold day.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup brewed espresso
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1/4 cup cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Whipped cream, for topping
directions
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Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
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Add the espresso and cocoa: Stir in the brewed espresso, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Whisk the mixture: Whisk the mixture until smooth and heated through. Make sure the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
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Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped cream for a rich, indulgent finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Variations
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Make it richer: Add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, more indulgent drink.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper for a spiced version of this drink.
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Dairy-free version: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
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Sweeten to taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more sugar or use a flavored syrup like caramel or vanilla.
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Iced version: Make it iced by letting the hot chocolate cool and then pouring it over ice for a refreshing twist.
storage/reheating
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave and stir well.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee for brewed espresso. Use about 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules mixed with a little hot water to mimic the espresso flavor.
Can I add more espresso for a stronger coffee flavor?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can add more brewed espresso to taste. Start with a little extra and adjust as needed.
How can I make this drink sweeter?
You can increase the amount of sugar or add a flavored syrup like caramel or vanilla to sweeten the drink to your liking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I use a milk alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well as milk alternatives in this recipe.
Conclusion
Espresso Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink for cozying up on a chilly day, combining the bold flavor of espresso with the creamy indulgence of hot chocolate. It’s an easy, delicious treat that will satisfy your coffee cravings and sweet tooth in one cup. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up or a warming dessert, this drink will surely become a favorite!
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Espresso Hot Chocolate
Espresso Hot Chocolate combines the creamy indulgence of hot chocolate with the bold kick of espresso, making it the ultimate cozy drink. Perfect for cold days, this velvety smooth treat is topped with whipped cream for a comforting, indulgent experience. A must-try for coffee and chocolate lovers!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
1 cup milk
1/2 cup brewed espresso
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
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Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
-
Add the espresso and cocoa: Stir in the brewed espresso, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Whisk the mixture: Whisk until smooth and heated through, ensuring the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
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Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
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Richer version: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a more indulgent, creamy drink.
-
Spiced kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper for a spiced variation.
-
Dairy-free option: Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
-
Sweeten to taste: Add more sugar or flavored syrups like caramel or vanilla to adjust sweetness.
-
Iced version: Let the hot chocolate cool and pour over ice for a refreshing twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
