How to make Instant Hot Chocolate Mix from Scratch
Last Updated on January 30, 2024
Hot chocolate is one of the many delicious hot drinks you can bring on the trail to make winter special (and enjoy at home, especially during the holidays). It might seem like a lot of work to make instant hot chocolate mix from scratch at home but let me tell you it is SUPER EASY. It’s more expensive than buying it in the store, but it’s worth it (I have to avoid most processed food because I’m allergic to coconut oil, which is all over the place). I’ve experimented with a lot of different proportions and ingredients and my favorite mix is below, but you can of course experiment to find the mix that’s right for you. There are endless opportunities with it, such as:
- Whipped cream and sprinkles (this only really works if you’re going to drink it at home or at a picnic table, harder on the trail!)
- These amazing homemade peppermint marshmellows (making your own marshmellows is also extremely easy). This is awesome for the trail! (use half the peppermint extract the recipe calls for)
- cinnamon and cayenne (Mexican twist)
- Baileys, Kahlua or Peppermint Schnapps for a warm cocktail
- Vanilla syrup
- anything else you like!
I mix mine in a jar, which you could easily fancy up and would make a great gift! I use a quart jar and mix it about half to two thirds full so it can shake to mix up easily.
One thing to note about this hot chocolate mix is that it doesn’t dissolve as easily as commercial hot chocolate mix. A couple of ways to address this:
- At home: pour a small amount of water in and get it to dissolve, then add the rest of the water
- On the trail: Mix it in a thermos and after ensuring the lid is fully closed and tight, then shake the thermos vigorously. Do it again before pouring it out
One other note, there are different types of cocoa powder, Dutch process and Natural Process. I have read that Natural High Fat Cocoa powder is the way to go for hot chocolate, so that’s what I’ve used.
Mmmmmmm….hot chocolate!
(this post contains affiliate links to Amazon, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase something through the link. Thank you!)
Instant Hot Chocolate Mix from Scratch for the Trail and Home
Delicious and decadent instant hot chocolate mix you can make easily yourself!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 8oz cups of hot chocolate 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Add all three ingredients to a quart mason jar (or any other container with a secure lid). Secure the lid, then shake until mixed.
To prepare, combine 1/4 cup mix with 8 ounces of boiling water (this is my preferred ratio, feel free to adjust it).
Enjoy!
Notes
You can make more or less mix depending on how much you want to make, just keep the ratio at 1/3 milk powder, 1/3 cocoa powder, 1/3 powdered sugar
