By: Sharon Fitness
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly winter day.
This season, why not upgrade your cocoa game with something a little more exciting and a lot more wholesome?
Each of these plant-based hot chocolate recipes uses organic ingredients and offers a unique flavour twist to keep your winter warm, cosy, and deliciously indulgent. Whether you’re after something spicy, classic, minty or golden – there’s a mug waiting for you below. If you’re not into oat or nut milk’s feel free to use cow’s milk, full cream or skim – up to you.
1. Classic Creamy Cacao with Oat Milk
A rich, comforting classic made even better with creamy oat milk and pure organic cacao.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic oat milk
- 2 tbsp organic cacao powder
- 1.5 tbsp organic maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Method:
Gently heat oat milk in a saucepan. Whisk in cacao, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Pour into a mug and top with a dusting of cacao or a dollop of plant-based whipped cream.
2. Spiced Chilli Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Add some winter heat with a warming blend of cinnamon and chilli — inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic almond milk
- 2 tbsp organic cacao powder
- 1.5 tbsp organic coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground chilli (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
Heat almond milk over medium-low heat. Whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth and gently steaming. Strain before serving if needed. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for that extra cosy touch.
3. Peppermint Coconut Hot Chocolate
A fresh and festive take on the classic, with the smooth creaminess of coconut and a refreshing minty finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic coconut milk (light or full fat)
- 2 tbsp organic cacao powder
- 1 tbsp organic agave syrup
- 1/4 tsp organic peppermint extract
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Serve topped with crushed peppermint candy or coconut flakes for a wintery finish.
4. Golden Turmeric White Hot Chocolate
A golden, antioxidant-rich indulgence with a creamy white chocolate base — as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic cashew milk
- 50g organic vegan white chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- Pinch of ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp organic vanilla extract
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Method:
Melt the white chocolate in warmed cashew milk. Stir in turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and sweetener if needed. Pour into your cosiest mug and top with a sprinkle of turmeric or cinnamon.
5. Hazelnut Mocha Hot Chocolate
Part hot chocolate, part coffee — this one’s for the latte lovers who want it all.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic hazelnut milk
- 1 tbsp organic cacao powder
- 1 tbsp organic instant coffee or espresso
- 1 tbsp organic brown rice syrup (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
Method:
Warm hazelnut milk, then whisk in the rest until smooth and frothy. Serve with a dash of cacao or espresso powder on top for the perfect mocha moment.
Wrap-Up
These organic, plant-based hot chocolates are a wonderful way to embrace the season – delicious, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re after a health-boosting twist or a dessert-worthy indulgence, there’s something here for every kind of winter mood.
Article supplied with thanks to GOOD.
Feature image: Canva
About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a movie buff, foodie, dog lover and tv fan.
