Oh hey! It’s Christmastime – my absolute favorite time of year. Why? For one, I get to make and eat tons of goodies this month, like chocolate and peppermint things! Swoon.
My first peppermint-chocolate creation was inspired by our time in Zurich, Switzerland last fall, where chocolate is one of their prized specialties. People form lines around chocolate shops there and it’s all because it’s made fresh daily by artisans who have made chocolate their life and craft. It’s no joking around.
Besides eating truffles and bars, another very Swiss way to consume chocolate is by drinking it. I can totally get on board with this concept.
Drinking chocolate differs from hot cocoa in that it’s much thicker and usually contains melted chocolate rather than cocoa powder. This makes it richer, creamier and all-the-more decadent.
It’s normally treated as more of an indulgent dessert than a daily drink, though I wouldn’t judge if you opted for the latter.
For this recipe you need:
Coconut milk
Dark chocolate
Peppermint extract
Raw/Turbinado sugar
Coconut whipped cream isn’t necessary but highly, highly recommended. I mean, come on. You’re already going to party town. Why not go all the way? A little sprinkle of crushed peppermint doesn’t hurt, either…
This drinking chocolate is my new obsession! It is thick, slightly coconutty, insanely creamy, intensely chocolaty, and balanced with a hint of peppermint.
This recipe makes a descent sized batch, which you could serve to a small group. Since I apparently don’t have friends or I don’t like to share, I’ve hoarded mine all to myself and have been reheating little portions after dinner for a little virgin nightcap. But I can almost guarantee that Baileys or Kahlua would be delightful in this drink.
For more festive boozy libations, check out our Frozen Blended White Russian and Boozy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate.
Enjoy!
Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (I like half full-fat coconut + half unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 3.2-ounce (or close) quality non-dairy dark chocolate bar (chopped)
- 1-2 Tbsp raw sugar (depending on preferred sweetness)
- 1/8-1/4 tsp quality peppermint extract (I like Frontier brand)
- Coconut whipped cream (optional // for topping)
- Crushed peppermint (optional // for topping)
Instructions
- Add milk to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until warm – about 5 minutes. You don’t want it to boil, just get hot enough to melt the chocolate.
- Once hot, add the chocolate and sugar and whisk to melt. Do so vigorously to ensure everything gets combined. Once it has reached your desired temperature, sample a bit to determine if it’s sweet enough for your liking. I added another 1 1/2 tsp sugar at this point (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Remove from heat and add peppermint extract, starting with only lesser end of range (1/8 tsp as original recipe is written) since it can be very strong and overpowering. Once it’s to your liking, transfer to small serving glasses and top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies/candy canes. I poured mine into two glasses but it was honestly too decadent to finish. I’d recommend splitting this (as original recipe is written) between 3-4 servings.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for several days. Move to the freezer for longer-term storage.
JJ says
I made this for Christmas to share with friends, and it was absolutely divine. The recipe is really easy, and the ingredients are not complicated! But the result is heavenly and everyone loved it! I already made a second batch. Thank you!
Aw, yay! We’re so glad everyone enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Zora says
I just made this and it was so good! The recipe and instructions were really easy and simple and the flavor was delicious!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Zora. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Naomi Joyce says
heyy! so I used dairy skim milk & Cadbury chocolate. it didn’t turn out anywhere near the same viscosity as the one in the beautiful photos!! so for the original recipe, you used coconut milk and almond milk. what am I missing? haha. are either of those milks particularly thick? what type of chocolate do you use?
anyway, the recipe as it translated is absolutely nom-scious and I enjoyed it nonetheless!! I’m very curious though!!
Hi Naomi, coconut milk is thicker, so that’s likely the issue. If wanting to use dairy, you could sub cream in place of the coconut milk. Hope that helps!
Milene says
Made it for my son’s classroom winter break party and it was amazing! I used sweetened almond milk with the dark chocolate and didn’t need to add sugar. Wonderful, thank you!
Lovely! Thanks, Milene!
Patrick says
Would dairy-free chocolate chips work?
Thanks, Patrick
We haven’t tried that, but it might work. Our only concern would be that there may be stabilizers in the chocolate chips that don’t let them mix properly. Let us know if you give it a try!
Kelsey says
You’re literally amazing. This was amazing. Definitely needs whip cream and crushed candy cane, as it is very rich. You make me wanna be so creative in the kitchen with your recipes. Also just use the liquid in the coconut milk, not the hard white right?
Taylor says
Oh my gosh this looks heavenly!! Cannot wait to try it! Where is the nutritional info posted (if it is). I saw the note at the bottom but did not see the info
s.e. says
My understanding is drinking chocolate is just what got chocolate is called in the UK. All the (dairy free and other) got chocolate mix like Cadbury that I buy that is imported says drinking chocolate on the container
julie says
its awesome…….
julie says
its amazing
Jennifer says
Very very good!! A million times better than the normal hot chocolate I make. Next time I’ll try it with the coconut whipped cream.
julie says
Full Melt chocolates are organic fair trade premier brand of medicated chocolate bars.
full melt chocolates are too delicious.
Robin says
I’d love to try this as creamer in my coffee…do you think it would work out well?
Grace says
Just curious, would this recipe work with just ordinary milk? And products with dairy?
Yes! Use whole milk and whipping cream for the whip. Good luck!
julierawat7676 says
Full Melt Chocolate is Colorado’s favorite infused chocolate candy bar.Full Melt chocolates are organic fair trade premier brand of medicated chocolate bars. full melt chocolates are too delicious.
:) :(
Olivia says
I want your job. Amazing.
Emma says
This was perrrrrrrfect for Christmas brunch!!! Thank you, Dana!
Enucia Vegan Soaps says
I get so hungry looking at all of these recipes, but I always get great new ideas.
Lee says
I love how you straight up called this drinking chocolate instead of hot chocolate. Solid Dana!
Jess says
I’ve only once had drinking chocolate, and I can’t believe I’ve never made it myself. It’s so indulgent and fun this time of year, but especially with a little peppermint addition! Your photos perfectly capture how thick and creamy and lovely this is – great idea, Dana!
Thanks, Jess! I just checked out some peppermint looking mallows on your blog and OH MY GOSH. GIMME!! :D
meg says
YUM!
Danielle says
Awesome!! I love drinking chocolate…and peppermint. So pretty btw. Almost every dessert I’ve made this month has involved both:) when I lived in Edinburgh there was a shop called chocolate soup– bless the Brits’ love for chocolate!!!
Thanks Danielle! Edingburgh sounds like my kind of place! Chocolate soup? HECK YES.
Danielle says
It is awesome there. There was also a shop called the chocolate shop which sold nothing but crazy chocolate creations. There were cakes named after every chocolate bar that were oversized truffles covered in mars bars, maltesers etc…If you’re looking for another chocolate peppermint recipe, here are two of mine:
Both sneak in avocado :)
Crista says
OMG looks AMAZING!!!
Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack! says
“You’re already going to party town. Why not go all the way?”
Seriously, you’re the best. This looks incredible!! I’ve been thinking about making a recipe that in between this and hot cocoa as far as richness. You’ve pushed me to the definitely making it happen stage. Beautiful!
Jackie! So honored to hear from such an amazing fellow food blogger. This drinking chocolate IS phenomenal. If you try it, let me know! And again, I highly recommend it with a serious helping of coconut whipped cream. SO GOOD. Enjoy!!
Billy says
I WANT ALL OF IT TO MYSELF.
DO IIIIIIIIITTTTTT.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
I soooooo want this!!!!
Abbie @ Needs Salt says
This drink looks so decadent! I love love love that it’s vegan and it’s a cup of DARK CHOCOLATE, yo. amazing.
Pinning!
Thanks, Abbie!