Caffeinate your Cocoa: Three Recipes That Combine Hot Chocolate and Coffee

Whip up a batch of decadent hot chocolate that’s been energized with a blast of coffee for those chilly winter days.

4 min read

Alisha McDarris

Nov 18, 2023

There’s nothing like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day to make you feel extra cozy. Except for maybe a steaming mug of hot chocolate blended with coffee. Fortunately, it’s not hard to whip up a batch of rich chocolatey goodness that also offers a welcome caffeine boost. These three hot chocolate coffee recipes are the perfect companions to chilly days and snowy nights.

How to Brew Your Coffee

It all starts with the perfect brew. Remember, the stronger you make your coffee, the more its flavor will come through once it’s mixed with milk, cocoa powder and all the other ingredients. So don’t be afraid to add more grounds than usual.

There is no “right” machine to use to brew the perfect cup—the coffee maker you choose is a matter of personal preference. If you’re brewing for a large group, you might consider the 12-Cup Coffee Maker for the job. Select the appropriate brew setting, follow the instructions on which basket to use and fill with coffee.

If you prefer the taste of French press coffee (which some people find more full-bodied and flavorful), start with OXO’s 8-Cup French Press. Weigh and measure your grounds, add them to the bottom of the French press (with the lifter handle in place), and pour in hot water. Set a timer for 4 minutes, and when the time is up, press the plunger and pour your fresh coffee into mugs.

For smaller quantities of coffee (up to 12 ounces), go with OXO’s Pour-Over Coffee Maker With Water Tank. Place a paper filter in the cone, then weigh and scoop in your coffee. (A ratio of 16 grams of coffee to 300 grams of water per cup is ideal—weigh it out using a food scale to really dial in your coffee game.) Pour in hot water and let the hole pattern on the water tank of the machine slowly add the liquid for the perfect cup. Check out more tips on how to brew great pour-over coffee.

Hot Chocolate Coffee Recipes

Cup of coffee in hand, you’re ready to raise your game a level. Sure, you could reach for a packet of instant hot cocoa and add it to hot coffee and milk, but for the ultimate cold-weather indulgence, whip up a cup of hot cocoa coffee from scratch using one of these three recipes.

Double each recipe for two servings (or one large cup). If you’re feeling fancy, keep some whipped cream and chocolate syrup on hand for topping or check out our favorite hot chocolate bar topping ideas. But know that these beverages are plenty decadent without any supplementary flair.

Maple Mocha

Print Recipe

Sometimes, keeping things simple brings out the best flavors, and that’s certainly true with this creamy mocha that’s sweetened with real maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.

Serving for 1 people

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup coffee

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Tiny pinch of salt

Directions:

In a pot, combine milk, coffee, cocoa powder, maple syrup and salt and warm over medium heat, whisking almost constantly.

When the liquid reaches about 140º F (if you don’t have a thermometer, thick steam is a good indicator), remove from heat and transfer to a mug.

Add more syrup to taste if desired and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.

Raspberry Mocha

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Mix the tartness of raspberries with the richness of chocolate and the caffeine kick of coffee and this is what you get: a bright and luscious pick-me-up guaranteed to please any palate.

Serving for 1 people

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup coffee

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

1 tablespoon raspberry syrup + more to taste

Tiny pinch of salt

Directions:

In a pot, combine the milk, coffee, cocoa powder, raspberry syrup and salt and warm over medium heat, whisking almost constantly.

When the liquid reaches about 140º F, remove from heat and transfer to a mug.

Add more syrup to taste if desired and top with whipped cream and a fresh raspberry or two.

Peanut Butter Mocha

Print Recipe

Called a buckeye latte in some areas of the country (like Ohio, where the buckeye is the state tree, a beloved college football team, and a sweet chocolate and peanut butter treat), this chocolate, peanut butter and coffee quaff is an indulgent delight.

Serving for 1 people

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup coffee

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons peanut butter powder

Directions:

In a pot, combine the milk, coffee, cocoa powder, sugar and peanut butter powder and warm over medium heat, whisking almost constantly. The peanut butter powder will want to clump, so whisk well to combine.

When the liquid starts steaming, remove from heat and transfer to a mug.

Top with whipped cream, a pinch of additional peanut butter powder and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Make one hot chocolate coffee or try them all! And if you’ve been inspired to try other styles of decadent coffee drinks, consider these versions of hot and cold pumpkin spice café au lait.