Hot cocoa is perhaps the staple warming drink in the winter. It’s warm, sweet, creamy, and chocolatey, who could pass it up? Better yet, who could pass up a fancy upgraded cup of hot cocoa?
How to Make Gluten-Free Hot Cocoa
When it comes to gluten-free hot cocoa, you have two options: make it from scratch using cocoa powder or use a pre-made gluten-free mix.
Both ways require some attention when buying the necessary ingredients as drink mixes tend to be processed on the same equipment as gluten and cocoa powder can be too.
All flavors of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate are gluten-free however, they aren’t 100% gluten-free, they just have less than 20ppm of gluten in the mix. Also, note that Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate mixes often have dairy in them. Because a lot of people with Celiac are also sensitive to milk this could be an issue. If you are also sensitive to dairy, you might want to make your own cocoa from scratch with Hershey’s cocoa powders. Hershey’s cocoa powders
Whether you making you hot chocolate from scratch or using a mix, here are 5 creative ways you can upgrade your hot cocoa!
5 Hot Cocoa Upgrades
1
Spice Up Your Hot Cocoa
There are tons of spices you can splash into your hot cocoa for a fun a twist. Because cocoa has such a versatile flavor, many spices complement it well. In fact, in many countries, hot cocoa is traditionally made with spices. Mexican hot cocoa, for example, is famous for its delicious balance of spicy and sweet spices. Need some inspiration? Check out my friend Autumns Holiday Spice Hot Chocolate!
Some spices to consider sprinkling into your cup of hot cocoa:
Ground Chili or Cayenne
Cloves
Cinnamon
Ginger
Mint
Nutmeg
Star Anise
Vanilla
2
Make Adaptogenic Hot Cocoa
With cold weather comes spiked inflammation and an increased chance of catching a cold. Adding some adaptogens to your coffee could help boost your immune system and improve your inflammatory response for a more comfortable holiday season.
Adaptogens are certain plant chemicals that help the body better respond to stressors. Stressors that might trigger your inflammatory response or weaken your immune system.
There are a few ways you can make your hot cocoa adaptogenic. You can buy your own powdered adaptogens and mix them into your hot cocoa yourself or you can use a pre-made adaptogenic mix.
If you are buying your own powdered adaptogens for use, make sure the seller you are buying from uses Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and/or the product is certified organic – I’ve bought this GMP Ashwagandha and this organic Rhodiola Rosea in the past). Need some inspiration on how to make an adaptogenic hot cocoa? Check out my Adaptogenic Chocolate Peanut Butter Latte recipe!
If buying a pre-made adaptogenic hot cocoa mix, consider Four Sigmatic Adaptogenic Hot Cocoa Mixes, I love four sigmatic products which all are free from animal or gluten-derived ingredients. However, it is important to note that their products are processed in the same facility as gluten, so depending on your standards, this might not be an option for you. I, however, have never had a reaction to their products so for me they are safe.
3
Make Extra Creamy Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa already has a creamy and decadent texture to it but a fun way to upgrade your hot cocoa might be to make it even creamier. You can do this by mixing in some nut butter. Think cashew, almond, or peanut butter. A chocolatey hazelnut spread would be delicious in your hot cocoa as well!
To make it extra creamy, after making your cup of hot cocoa, simply stir in a spoonful of nut butter while your hot cocoa is still extra hot. If you have one, use a whisk to reduce the amount of sediment in your cup.
4
Energize with Your Hot Cocoa
Make your own version of a Caffè Mocha by mixing in some freshly brewed coffee into your hot cocoa. You’ll get gentle energy from the theobromine in the cocoa and a jolt from the decent amount of caffeine in the coffee.
For an extra luxurious experience, top your hot chocolate with some store bought or homemade whipped cream. I love making mine with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings!
5
Protein Packed Hot Cocoa
Upgrade your hot cocoa with some added protein! Try mixing in a scoop of your favorite flavor protein powder into your hot cocoa. Not only will this add in protein but it will also add a fun flavor twist to your cocoa.
Another idea is to add a scoop of collagen to your cocoa. This will make your cocoa even silkier in your mouth.
Pro-Tip: When adding powders to your hot cocoa use a whisk to mix it in. This will make sure your powders are well incorporated and don’t clump together!
Like this post if you love hot cocoa in the winter and comment below your favorite way to drink hot cocoa!
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