Peppermint hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy winter drink, made dairy-free in this easy recipe! Homemade hot chocolate has never been easier!
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
While you can make this cocoa on the stove top, this busy mom’s tried-and-true method uses the microwave. Of course, the microwave makes this drink come together in just a couple minutes. But for whatever reason, I also find that my taste buds can’t detect any weird alcohol aftertaste from the peppermint extract when I heat it with the “milk” together in the microwave, as opposed to on the stove-top.
Once your milk substitute (i.e. almond milk) is heated, add the remaining ingredients – cocoa powder and honey or maple syrup. You can certainly whisk it, but I find mixing it with a milk frother (affiliate link) to be better. The milk frother creates a super smooth and frothy peppermint hot chocolate! My backup method is to combine and blend all the ingredients in my blender. The milk frother is just smaller and less to clean afterwards. π
You can leave as is or garnish with some whipped cream or coconut whip, peppermint and chocolate shavings, a candy cane, etc.
There are also some variations to help you customize this peppermint hot chocolate to be exactly what you’re looking for.
Collagen Peppermint Hot Chocolate
While collagen definitely isn’t vegan, it is dairy-free and it’s my personal favorite way to add a boost of protein to something I’m eating or drinking. One scoop of unflavored collagen peptides provides some protein that helps make this hot chocolate a little more balanced and filling. And the collagen peptides blend in perfectly – totally undetectable! (Check out these posts for research on collagen benefits and side effects and answers to common collagen questions.)
Creamy, Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Try taking out a tablespoon or two of almond milk (or whichever milk!) and substituting one or two tablespoons of full fat, creamy coconut milk from a can (or other shelf-stable package). This type of coconut milk is ultra creamy and decadent. It definitely helps give this peppermint hot chocolate a richer mouthfeel!
Nut-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate
If you’re allergic to nuts or can’t tolerate almonds/ almond milk in any way, feel free to use any type of unsweetened, plain milk alternative you prefer. Ideas? Rice milk, hemp milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc. Find what you enjoy the most and helps your body feel your best!
Want more healthier, cozy beverages?
Try these Nutrition to Fit warm beverages that have healthier modifications:
When you make this dairy-free peppermint hot chocolate, take a picture and share it to social media (tag @nutritiontofit and #nutritiontofit). Enjoy, and live well!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy winter drink, made dairy-free in this easy recipe! Homemade hot chocolate has never been easier!
free from: gluten/wheat, dairy, soy, egg, shellfish, fish, peanuts (*tree nut free option available, see recipe notes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp honey
- optional garnish: crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, whipped cream or coconut whip, candy canes, etc.
Instructions
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In a small microwave-safe container, combine almond milk and peppermint extract. Heat on high for 2 minutes.
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Add cocoa powder and honey. Use a milk frother to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, creamy, frothy peppermint hot chocolate. (Alternatively you can mix in a blender.)
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Serve with any optional garnishes (if desired) and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition information is calculated using unsweetened almond milk. Nutrition information does not include garnishes and will vary based on any substitutions, including the following:
To make nut-free, use a nut-free milk substitute (i.e. soy milk, hemp milk, ice milk).
To make ultra creamy, take out 1-2 tbsp almond milk and add 1-2 tbsp canned coconut milk.
To add a protein boost, add 1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides prior to mixing.Β
I usually make my cocoa with regular milk but it was so creamy and yummy with the almond milk!! Thank you!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hot Chocolate is my favorite seasonal drink! I will be adding peppermint now!!
Same here! Enjoy the peppermint twist! π
This was such a nice twist on traditional hot chocolate!
I’m glad you enjoyed, thank you!
Never thought about adding collagen to my hot chocolate. I’ll have to try it this week along with peppermint!
It’s been my favorite way lately to enjoy a more balanced/ blood sugar regulating drink!
A milk frother is on my wish list this holiday. But this was still amazing in the blender!
I just have a cheap $2.99 one from IKEA and seriously use it every single day!
Almond milk is quickly becoming my new fav!
Same here! I go through stages and switch things up from time-to-time, but I’m definitely currently on an almond milk kick!
Wow, This looks yummy. And love your step by step instruction to make this at home. I will try it for sure. Thanks for the sharing this yummy recipe with all of us.