A hot chocolate drink is a beverage consisting of cocoa powder or chocolate powder mixed with milk or water. The drink was originally created in Switzerland and has since become very popular around the globe.
Hot chocolate is not only delicious; it is also a great way to warm up during the winter.
But it also contains lots of sugar and fat because of the high content of cocoa powder. There are several ways to remain warm without jeopardizing your health objectives, and there are plenty of reasons to drink. So if you want to enjoy this wonderful drink without all the extra calories, we have some healthy hot chocolate alternatives for you, such as dairy-free hot cocoa, chai latte, and more!
See how to melt white chocolate chips you can put in your drink.
Chai Latte
If you are not a coffee drinker, consider a chai latte. This traditional Indian tea is prepared by combining black tea with spices and then adding milk. Commercially available chai lattes are usually produced using sugar-rich syrups, which add unnecessary calories. It contains more than the maximum recommended daily limit for added sugars. Hence making your own is still the best.
To make a simple chai tea latte, combine 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon honey and a splash of milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. This warm drink takes a little longer to prepare, but the end results are well worth it. It also reheats nicely, so you can always make a big batch and store it in the fridge.
Anijsmelk
This Dutch delicacy consists of a mixture of cream, eggs, and milk cooked at low temperatures until thickened. Anijsmelk is often served cold, but it can be warmed up easily. If you like a foamy texture, try adding a spoonful of yogurt to the mix. You can also use almond milk instead of regular milk.
You only need whole milk, anise seed, and honey in making this warm drink. Just place the saucepan over low to medium heat and simmer the milk until it begins to bubble. Then, pour in the honey and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, removing any seeds as you go.
Hot Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the most versatile flavors out there. Thus it can be a really good substitute for hot chocolate. It is used in many different dishes, from ice cream to baked goods. And now, you can enjoy the vanilla flavor in its purest form: hot milk.
You will need two cups of whole milk, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients in a small saucepan and bring them to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and serve immediately.
You can adjust the sweetness level by changing the amount of sugar. For example, if you prefer sweeter drinks, increase the amount of sugar. Also, if you don’t like sweet drinks, decrease the amount of sugar.
Kids actually like Hot Vanilla, and serve it with a Froot Loop Straw and you will be a hit.
Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
There are numerous ways to make dairy-free hot cocoa. The first thing you should do is choose non-dairy milk. Soy milk or rice milk are both excellent choices. However, if you want to keep things simple, opt for unsweetened coconut milk.
Next, you will need some cocoa powder. Look for an organic cocoa powder since they contain less sugar and other additives. To make a basic recipe, just follow the same steps as you usually do and replace the milk with coconut milk.
If you want something more elaborate, you can experiment with different toppings. Here are some ideas:
• Add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and/or cardamom pods.
• Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Mix together equal parts cocoa powder and ground nuts.
• Top off with mini marshmallows.
• Use a few drops of liquid stevia (a natural sweetener) instead of sugar.
• Make your own hot cocoa mix using dry spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Try using cacao nibs, which are similar to chocolate chips.
• Stir in some dried fruit.
Hot Water With Lemon
The combination of lemon juice and hot water is a classic way to start your day. But did you know that you can also use this method to make a delicious hot beverage? All you need is freshly squeezed lemon juice and hot water. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 8 ounces of water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Vanilla Steamer
This steaming technique is perfect for those who love tea but dislike the bitter taste. Instead of steeping loose leaves, you steep them inside a glass jar filled with water. The steam then infuses the leaves with flavor.
To create a cinnamon vanilla steamer:
- Combine 1 quart of water, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 vanilla bean pod in a large pot.
- Bring the water to a boil and then turn down the heat to low.
- Place a glass jar inside the pot and cover it with a lid.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into another container.
- Serve warm.
To make a vanilla steamer, simply omit the cinnamon. You may also try adding spice, including turmeric, ginger, or even rosemary.