How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix from Pure Cocoa

Hot chocolate. It's a great winter drink, and it's even better when it doesn't come from a mix. This article presents a few ways to make your own drinking powder mix from scratch, at home.

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate Microwave Mix

Milk
Sugar or stevia
Cocoa powder
Water

Hot Chocolate Boiled Water Mix

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
4 tsp of sugar
8 oz. of hot (boiling water), or however much is needed
1/4 teaspoon butter/margarine (optional, adds richness)

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Hot Chocolate Microwave Mix

1
Know the capacity of the mug. Most are 10 oz. but some are more 8 ounces and some more than 10.
2
Put one tablespoon of sugar in the mug.

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3
Measure out one rounded teaspoon of cocoa powder and put it in the mug. You may want to use more but for the first time, start with one.
4
Add two teaspoons of water. The next step is what paint chemists call "wetting out the pigment." Stir the sugar, water and cocoa until the cocoa is completely wetted out. You can tell this by the appearance of the surface. If it is reflective, you have wetted out the cocoa. If it is not, you need to stir more and possibly add a few more drops of water.
5
Add about one inch of milk and stir to completely mix the cocoa paste and milk. Fill the rest of the mug with milk, up to about 1/2 an inch off the top. The mix will expand about 5% on heating, so don't over-fill.
6
Put the mug in the microwave.
- For an 8 oz cup, heat (on highest setting) for one minute, 45 seconds.
- For a 10 oz cup, heat 2 minutes, 10 seconds.
- For the best results, use a double-boiler to steam the milk over the stove.
7
Watch the cup for the last 20 seconds. For some reason, the cocoa tends to foam up. Usually this does not happen but, just in case, watch. If it does, open the door and stir. Take out the spoon, close the door and finish heating.
8
Enjoy your hot chocolate!

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Hot Chocolate Boiled Water Mix

1
Assemble all ingredients before starting.
2
Boil the water. While you're doing that, you can put the cocoa powder and sugar into the mug.
3
Pour the boiled water into the mug with the other ingredients. Stir to combine thoroughly.
4
Add 1/4 teaspoon of butter/margarine to add a rich taste. This is optional. Stir in.
5
Serve immediately. Enjoy a nice hot steaming cup of an anti-oxidant rich delicious hot treat.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Suggestions for Toppings

1
Try one of the following as optional toppings for your homemade chocolate:
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or extra cocoa powder over the top if desired.
- Add marshmallows, whipped cream and some grated chocolate. If you put too much cocoa powder in, put more milk in it.
  - If you are a vegan, purchase vegan marshmallows from your health food store.
- A dollop of whipped cream can also be added if desired.
- Try adding peppermint extract for a wintry taste.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use hot water without milk?

Community Answer

Yes, it just won't be as rich. You could substitute almond or coconut milk.
Question

What if it's for more than one person?

Community Answer

Just double the recipe and that will be plenty.
Question

What if my cocoa won't dissolve, no matter how much I stir?

Community Answer

You could try adding some more boiling water, so it can dissolve better. Or, you could reheat your drink.
Question

Can I use these recipes if I only have baking cocoa in my cabinets?

Community Answer

Yes, baking cocoa and cocoa powder are very similar ingredients and can be substituted for one another.
Question

Do I really have to put sugar?

Community Answer

I suppose you don't have to, but it will pretty tasteless without it. You might be able to substitute honey, vanilla extract, or a sugar substitute like Splenda if you're trying to avoid consuming regular sugar.
Question

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Community Answer

If that tastes good to you, then go ahead.
Question

Can I make a chocolate drink without a microwave?

Community Answer

Boil the water instead, add all the ingredients into a mug, then mix.
Question

How do I make hot chocolate with only milk, sugar and cocoa?

Community Answer

Pour the cocoa and boiled water in, then leave it in the fridge an put into more boiling water and make the hot chocolate.
Question

How can I make hot chocolate without cocoa powder?

Community Answer

If you don't have cocoa powder, you can melt chocolate on the stove, or you can use chocolate syrup.
Question

For the boiled water mix, could I add milk?

Ruby

Top Answerer

Yes. Using milk instead of water will make the drink much creamier.

Warnings

Remove the spoon before putting the cup in the microwave.

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Be careful when pouring boiling water.

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Don't attempt to overheat. Also note item about last 20 seconds of heating (above).

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Make sure the mug is microwavable.

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Be careful when you first drink from the mug, as it may be hot.

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If you are lactose intolerant, serve with soy milk, almond milk or lactose-free milk

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