Recipe

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This rich ginger hot cocoa is packed with comforting holiday flavors, and it's easy to make in under 10 minutes.

Ginger adds a lively note to the classic winter mug of hot cocoa. One sip and you’ll be hooked!

a mug of ginger hot cocoa with cinnamon sticks

Hot Cocoa with Ginger

My homemade hot cocoa recipe has been a success with my family and readers every winter, so it was time to combine this heavenly drink with one of the most classic fall flavors: ginger!

It’s the perfect drink when you want a sharp kick, milder than a spicy hot cocoa, with the fall vibes of gingerbread hot chocolate but less sweetness.

Ingredients

You’ll make this drink with unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar (maple syrup or honey also works), water, a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor, any dairy or non-dairy milk, fresh or ground ginger, and vanilla extract.

Making Ginger Hot Cocoa

Here’s what you need to know about the steps to make this quick ginger hot cocoa:

Combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan and heat the mixture, stirring until smooth. Then, add the ginger.
Once it simmers, add the milk and heat it gently, being careful not to let it boil, as the milk will burn.
Add vanilla after turning off the heat so its flavor doesn’t fade.

Is it Spicy?

Ginger adds a spicy note to hot cocoa without being overwhelming. You can adjust it depending on your preferences. Use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to keep it on the mild side, or ½ teaspoon to make it a little spicier.

Toppings

My favorite hot cocoa toppings for this recipe are whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and chocolate shavings. My kids also love it when I serve their mugs with mini gingerbread men!

Ginger Hot Cocoa

Servings: 4 cups

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 8

This rich ginger hot cocoa is packed with comforting holiday flavors, and it's easy to make in under 10 minutes.

5 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup hot water
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ – ½ teaspoon ground ginger, or fresh ginger
4 cups milk, any
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine:

In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat. Heat this chocolate base mixture, stirring constantly, until smooth.
Add the ground ginger and stir to combine.
Once it simmers, reduce the heat and pour the milk. Continue stirring as it heats up and steam appears. Do not let it boil; you don't want to burn the milk.
Turn off the heat, add the vanilla, and mix.