What is it about a nice steaming hot mug of hot chocolate on a cool winter night?
I mean, really. There’s just something about it that screams “comfort” and “cozy” and “all warm and fuzzy inside.”
For the majority of my life, when I wanted my hot chocolate fix, I would head to the cupboard and pull out on the convenient little packets of mix (most of the time, they used to be the “diet” or “sugar free” varieties…because god forbid I drank the real thing…foolish girl that I was), get the water boiling in my teapot, and have my hot cocoa that way.
It wasn’t until about a couple of years ago when I discovered the deliciousness that is homemade hot chocolate. Made with fresh milk and real ingredients, giving it the most superb, rich, and creamy taste. It saddens me to think about just how long I had been missing out on this.
And sometimes, adding marshmallows just makes it that much more exciting.
I don’t always take the time to make homemade hot chocolate at home, but whenever I do, there’s only one kind of milk I use, and that’s Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla. Not only do I save about 55 calories by swapping it for skim milk, but the difference in creaminess, texture, and flavor is just fantastic.
So if I’ve got you intrigued, here’s one of my favorite recipes for homemade hot chocolate:
Almond Butterscotch Hot Chocolate
Servings: 1 full mug or 2 smaller mugs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla
- 1 cinnamon stick, split lengthwise
- 1/8 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 ounce good chocolate (milk or dark), finely chopped
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butterscotch syrup/sauce*
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup (such as Torani)*
Directions:
- Bring milk and cinnamon stick to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick, rinse, and reserve.
- Whisk in cocoa, chocolate, sugar, and salt, whisking vigorously until mixture is foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with cinnamon stick.
*****
Sometimes, of course, there are those days where you just might need a little extra “zip” in your hot chocolate; not so much these days, but it’s happened in the past. Its days like those where I jazz mine up a bit to create the most delicious alcoholic version.
*To make an Almond Amaretto Butterscotch Hot Chocolate, try substituting the following:
- Replace the butterscotch syrup with 4 ounces butterscotch Schnapps
- Replace the hazelnut syrup with 1 ounce amaretto
**Edited to add: Those measurements are for TWO cups. If you’re only making one cup, halve the two ingredients above.
You’ve definitely got to try that version…trust me. Do it for me.
**********
Nutritional Information (for non-alcoholic version):
Calories: 195.1
Total Fat: 6.4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Poly Fat: .1 g
Mono Fat: 1.0 g
Sodium: 152.0 g
Potassium: 251.4 mg
Total Carbs: 37.6 g
Fiber: 3.3 g
Protein 2.9 g
This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Silk and Fitfluential, LLC. All opinions expressed are my own. Learn more about Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened on Facebook and Twitter.
michelle kim says
oOOooh I like the sound of the one with a little “zip” in it ;)
I actually haven’t tried almond milk yet, but I definitely like the Silk soy milk, so I should definitely try it!
Kristin says
That sounds absolutely fantastic! I think I might have to switch to making my own hot chocolate from now on :)
Elaine says
That looks and sounds delicious! I love that you add a little bit of cinnamon to your hot chocolate too. And I always have the unsweetened almond milk in my fridge, so I’ll have to give this a try!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says
this sounds great! I love silk almond milk!
Kristen@Change of Pace says
Oh my goodness! That is a perfect holiday drink :)
Barbara says
You are adding 5 oz of alcohol to replace 3 tablespoons of flavoring, wow!!!
Courtney says
Oh boy I guess I should clarify that those measurements are for two cups, not one! ;)
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
Wowsers that sounds amazing! I need to get myself some syrup!!!
Lisa says
Oh goodness, this sounds so delicious! Silk almond milk is my favorite brand my far, so creamy! I’ve got to get some syrup and try this out
Sarah @PickyRunner says
Yummm I’m always looking for a new hot chocolate recipe. This is great, thanks :)
Danielle @ Truffles n' Treadmills says
After reading this I reaaaallly want a cup of hot chocolate! Taking the dogs for a walk soon so I am sure I could use a cup when I get back since it’s so cold out!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I love hot chocolate, so I’m going to make this tonight. :)
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
That sounds sooooo delicious! My kiddos love hot cocoa, but I usually go for a flavored coffee. Might just have to give this a try while it’s cold outside.
Laura@ FitRunningMama says
I want this now– having a cup of tea because I am so cold but this look so much tastier… plus I love almond milk-I keep hoping the one day Starbucks will carry it!!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
It’s really ironic you posted this recipe bc I just ha butterscotch hot chocolate last night! It’s amazing. What’s also amazing is that first picture in your post! It looks like it should be in a magazine.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
this sounds amazing and perfect for the chilly winter months!!
Kristin M says
“I don’t always take the time to make homemade hot chocolate at home, but whenever I do, there’s only one kind of milk I use, and that’s Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla.” <——-LOVED this part of your post!! Totally made me think of the Dos Equis beer commercials ("I don't always drink beer, but when I do, it's a Dos Equis") :)
Recipe sounds delicious!!
Courtney says
Hahaha I love that you caught that!!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Yup, I will be trying this in the future! I still think the packet one’s are decent if it’s a Starbucks or Godiva one. But homemade is always better. Mmm… just wish I hadn’t just ran out of almond milk!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
I’m totally intrigued by this recipe! I’ve made my own hot chocolate before, but it had a tonnn of sugar in it. This looks like a much better alternative. It’s on the list! :)
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
This sounds heavenly! Thanks for the recipe :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I need to try this. I typically just do the packet thing … but you’re making me want to try homemade!
Annie says
that sounds DIVINE!!!!
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
Courtney, this looks absolutely delicious! I’ve been craving some homemade hot cocoa, and I just might have to whip up that adult version ;)
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Love this! I’ve pretty much always made my own hot chocolate, but I’ve never tried adding any kind of flavored syrup to it. Definitely going to give that a shot!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
As soon as I saw the title, I said “Wow!” out loud. It looks so good!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
YUM! Looks so good! :)
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I don’t think I’ve ever made homemade hot chocolate…shame on me! And adding Amaretto just sounds amazing.
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Yum! I’ve never actually made my own hot chocolate, but this sounds amazing!
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
Mmmm, love hot chocolate! On a whim, I bought a container while grocery shopping a few weeks ago, and I’ve been enjoying a mug nearly every night–it’s a perfect winter treat. :)
Celeste says
This sounds like I should try this tonight. It’s cold outide and I just had a long first day back at work.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Thanks so much for sharing! I always make my hot cocoa with Silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but I must admit that I often use the cocoa mix. I can only imagine how much better that this probably tastes!
Sarah Fit says
THIS LOOKS AMAZING! Can’t wait to try it, I have almost all the ingredients minus the butterscotch.. I think I’ll get the schnapps version :)
{Moni} @ Moni Meals says
Really great recipe!! I LOVE your pics and will make this soon. Very unique! I might add the alcohol too. ;)
I also will be posting my recipe for Silk soon too (-FFA!) so this is just so exciting. ;)
Great blog too and nice to meet you!!. I also am a trainer and healthy foods chef.
Moni
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Ooo! Look at you Courtney! Becoming a Starbucks barista at home ;)
This is completely something Will would eat up in a heartbeat haha
Bek @ Crave says
Oh that looks like a wicked hot chocolate! Mmmm.
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
Great recipe! I never thought about making my own hot chocolate till recently and I’ll have to take your word for the amaretto addition too ;)
Lisa @ RunWiki says
I saw this on Facebook, made one and am enjoying as I type! Absolutely delicious!