Christmas Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy, chocolatey drink perfect for the holidays and totally irresistible for kids and adults alike. This Grinch Hot Chocolate, inspired by the beloved character from Dr. Seuss's classic tale, is a green-tinted beverage that you can easily make in minutes.
Whether you choose to serve it at a Christmas party or simply enjoy it with your family at home on Christmas morning while watching the Grinch movie, this holiday hot chocolate recipe is sure to be a hit among your loved ones all season long!
This green hot chocolate was inspired by my boozy hot cocoa bombs and pairs well with desserts such as cinnamon toast crunch cheesecake bowls, no-bake Nutella pie recipe, and easy no bake chocolate pie.
Why You Will Love Grinch Hot Chocolate
- Quick and easy. Using simple ingredients, this easy recipe is ready in no time.
- Comforting hot chocolate with a rich, smooth, and creamy taste that you and your guests will enjoy.
- All ages will love to indulge in this Grinch-themed treat during the holidays.
- Christmas Hot Chocolate will steal the show at your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
All you need are a few basic ingredients you can easily grab on a short trip to your local market.
- Whole Milk: For a creamier hot chocolate you can use half and half, table cream, or heavy whipping cream. You can also use low-fat milk to save some calories.
- Evaporated milk: A thicker milk that adds more richness to your hot chocolate.
- White Chocolate Chips: For added sweetness and white chocolate flavor. You can also use mint chocolate chips for a more minty flavor.
- Peppermint and Vanilla Extract: Adds minty flavor and natural sweetness.
- Green gel food coloring: Avoid liquid food coloring for best results.
- Red Sanding Sugar For Rim: Just for decoration! You can also use crushed candy canes to add a crunchier texture and a stronger peppermint taste instead.
- Mini marshmallows: What is hot chocolate without marshmallows? The small marshmallows work best.
- Whipped cream: For topping the hot chocolate.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to try something different with this Christmas Hot Chocolate, you can make some ingredient substitutions.
- Add Alcohol: Add a shot of dark rum, peppermint schnapps, crème de menthe, Kahlua, or Irish cream liqueur to make a festive cocktail perfect for adult-only holiday gatherings.
- Change the Rim: Dip the glasses in chocolate syrup or caramel sauce instead of water! You can also change up the sprinkles or use crushed candy canes instead.
- Healthier Hot Chocolate: To make a lower-fat version, swap the whole milk with skim milk and use sugar-free white hot chocolate powder and sugar-free peppermint extract.
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk along with evaporated coconut milk.
How to Make Christmas Hot Chocolate
This wonderful hot chocolate recipe is super easy and ready in less than 15 minutes.
- Combine the milk, evaporated milk, and chocolate chips in a saucepan and heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add the vanilla and peppermint.
PRO TIP: The peppermint has a strong smell while cooking but does not have an overwhelming taste.
- Add a 5-6 inch long line of food coloring (swoops in the motion of a capital N).
- Stir the mixture until it blends and forms a light green color. Add more food coloring until you achieve the desired Grinch green color.
- Dampen the rim of each mug with water and then dip it into a bed of small red crystal sprinkles.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your rimmed glasses.
PRO TIP: It's easier to fill by transferring the hot chocolate mixture to a large drinking pitcher and then pouring from the pitcher into the glasses.
- Top each mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows.
- Garnish with sprinkles and one small heart candy per drink.
PRO TIP: This hot chocolate can be stored in a large carafe or hot drinking pitcher.
⭐️ Hint: Be careful not to overcook chocolate on the stovetop. Watch and stir continuously for several minutes as it melts.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this kahlua hot chocolate, Pistachio Fluff, or this Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. For another Christmas recipe, try our Christmas Donuts or our Festive Gingerbread Dip.!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator after it's completely cool. For best results, place it in an airtight container, large carafe, or hot drinking pitcher covered with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Reheat: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a boil. Once heated to your desired temperature, pour it into your favorite mug, top with desired garnishes, and enjoy. You can also reheat in your microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What to Serve with Christmas Hot Chocolate
This festive hot beverage will surely add the perfect touch of Christmas spirit to your holiday celebrations. It's perfect to serve as a special family treat, on Christmas morning with hot chocolate cookies, or for parties.
- We always serve this hot chocolate with Boston cream pie cookie bites, air fryer sugar cookie whoopie pies, no-bake chocolate peanut butter pies, or our homemade churros recipe.
- Serve with fun, festive holiday-themed treats for added enjoyment. Choose from your favorite Christmas cookies or other Christmas desserts.
Tips
Follow these tips, and you'll have a delightful hot chocolate that will impress your family and friends during the festive season.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Heat chocolate over medium-low to prevent overcooking the chocolate and scorching the milk.
- Stir constantly to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency.
- Add gel food coloring for best results. Start with a small amount and add until the desired shade of green is reached.
FAQ
Do you have questions about Christmas hot chocolate? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Grinch Hot Chocolate is perfect for holiday parties and can easily be made in larger quantities. Just multiply the ingredients to accommodate the number of guests you're serving.
Yes, you can! For a convenient hands-off approach add ingredients to your slow cooker on slow, stirring occasionally until blended.
Although it's popular during the holidays, its delicious taste and playful color make it a welcome treat any time of the year, especially for fans of the Grinch character.
It is unique due to its vibrant green color, which is inspired by the popular Christmas character, the Grinch. Aside from its festive and fun appearance, this hot chocolate often features a blend of white chocolate and peppermint flavors, adding a delightful twist to the traditional hot chocolate.
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More Christmas Dessert Recipes
Do you like Christmas dessert recipes? Here are some you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Christmas Hot Chocolate (Grinch Hot Chocolate)
Equipment
- Bar Glass Rimmer or shallow plate or tea cup saucer
- Carafe Or Pitcher that holds hot liquids
- 4 Christmas Santa Mugs or your own mugs
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 bag (10 oz) white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Red Sanding Sugar for rim
Garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, evaporated milk and chocolate chips. Stir continuously over medium heat with a rubber spatula until fully melted.
- Remove from heat, add in vanilla and peppermint, continue to stir.
- Add 5-6 inches of food coloring (swoops in the motion of a capital N), stirring continuously until a solid, light green color forms. Add more food coloring until desired Grinch green color is met. Set aside.
- Run the rims of your mugs under clean water. Immediately dip the rims in a bed of small red crystal sprinkles, creating your red rim.
- Pour hot chocolate from pan into large, hot drinking pitcher to easily pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped topping and mini marshmallows. Garnish with sprinkles and one small heart candy per drink.
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Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Heat chocolate over medium-low to prevent overcooking the chocolate and scorching the milk.
- Stir constantly to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency.
- Add gel food coloring for best results. Start with a small amount and add until the desired shade of green is reached.
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