Creamy Pink Hot Cocoa
A cozy and creamy hot cocoa with a fruity strawberry twist, perfect for warming up winter nights. This easy homemade drink combines rich cocoa with fresh strawberry puree for a unique and comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) – can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free option
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste; alternatives: honey or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (60 ml) – fresh or thawed frozen strawberries blended smooth
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Mini marshmallows or whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry puree: Wash and hull 1 cup fresh strawberries (or thaw frozen), then blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to prevent clumping.
- Add milk: Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to combine smoothly.
- Heat gently: Place saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Heat until hot but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate strawberry puree and vanilla: Stir in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, whisking until fully blended and pink in color.
- Add heavy cream (optional): Stir in heavy cream and heat just until warmed through, avoiding boiling.
- Final taste check: Adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or honey, stirring well.
- Serve: Pour into heatproof mugs, top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Keep whisking gently and consistently while heating to avoid grainy texture. Add strawberry puree near the end to preserve color and flavor. Use high-quality cocoa powder for best taste. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use coconut whipped cream for topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pink hot cocoa, creamy hot chocolate, strawberry hot cocoa, winter drink, cozy beverage, homemade hot cocoa, easy hot chocolate