Dairy-free Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan

A homemade creamy hot cocoa made with dairy-free milk and a hint of peppermint flavor that will warm your soul and tingle your taste buds.

Tis the season when we are all rushing about, meeting with our friends, busy shopping and preparing food and over indulging on just about everything in sight! It’s so nice when you finally have the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a nice warm drink, especially on a cold snowy night. I love to whip up a cup or two of my homemade hot cocoa for the hubby and I and adding some peppermint flavor gives it the perfect Christmas flair.
Some call it hot cocoa, some call it hot chocolate, I call it chocolatey goodness! I make my hot cocoa using non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup and a peppermint tea bag. That’s it! Four easy ingredients and you are on your way to a treat that is both healthy and fulfilling.

Hot Cocoa options

What’s beautiful about this hot cocoa is that you have a variety of options to mix and match with. I like to use Oat milk as my non-dairy milk of choice, because I find it gives me the creamiest texture. But using almond milk, cashew milk or any other non-dairy alternative would work well too. Not dairy-free? Use regular milk! If you prefer it sugar-free, then you can sub the maple syrup for stevia, swerve or a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. Want it less chocolatey? Scale back on the cocoa powder one teaspoon at a time until you reach the hue you like. Not quite a fan of peppermint? Leave out the tea bag!
We like it rich and creamy, and that is how I made the recipe. But you can adjust it any way you like to meet your taste. Using a dutch cocoa powder will make this recipe richer and more decadent, however using an organic cacao powder is perfect as well, and that is what I normally have in my house.

Why choose a mint tea?

I choose to use a peppermint tea bag instead of peppermint extract because of the added benefits of the peppermint leaves, and it gives us just the perfect amount of peppermint flavor! Here are some advantages to peppermint leaves:

• Digestive Health: Peppermint tea is well-known for its ability to soothe digestive issues, such as indigestion, gas, and bloating. It relaxes the digestive tract and can help ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
• Relieves Headaches and Migraines: The menthol in peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, which can help alleviate headaches and migraines, providing a natural way to reduce discomfort.
• Improves Energy Levels: Drinking peppermint tea may help improve energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. Its refreshing taste and aroma can invigorate the senses and help you feel more alert.
• Supports Oral Health: Peppermint has antibacterial properties that can help freshen breath and fight harmful bacteria in the mouth, contributing to better oral hygiene and health.
• Relieves Menstrual Cramps: Peppermint tea can act as a muscle relaxant, helping to relieve the discomfort of menstrual cramps and making it a comforting choice for women experiencing menstrual pain.

Why this hot homemade hot chocolate is perfect before bed

Cacao powder, derived from the beans of the cacao plant, can be a beneficial addition to your pre-bedtime routine for several reasons. It contains a substantial amount of magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Magnesium aids in calming the nervous system, thereby reducing stress levels and making it easier to fall asleep. Additionally, cacao powder has a unique compound called theobromine, which, unlike caffeine, offers a mild, non-stimulating boost in energy and mood without disrupting sleep patterns. This makes cacao an excellent choice for a comforting, soothing beverage before bed, especially when you’re looking for something to help unwind and relax without the adverse effects of caffeine. Furthermore, the rich, indulgent flavor of cacao can satisfy nighttime cravings for something sweet without the need for sugary, processed snacks that might hinder sleep quality.
OR, maybe you DO want to add a nice healthy cookie to go along with your hot chocolate? These recipe go so well with hot cocoa, and you should definitely give them a try!
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Oatmeal Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Goey PB Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to make Dairy-free peppermint hot cocoa

The best part about this comforting drink is that it is extremely quick and easy to put together. Gather your ingredients, except the tea bag, and whisk in a pan over low heat for about 3-4 minutes. Using a hand frother ensures there are no clumps and becomes nice and creamy. Add your tea bag to the mixture and let sit to infuse the tea for another 4 minutes. At this point you may want to turn on the heat to warm up the drink slightly. Pour in your favorite mug, top with coconut whip cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence, sip and enjoy!

If you prefer to have some hot chocolate mix ready to go, where you can just add water or hot milk, then maybe make a batch of my Healthy and Delicious 3 ingredient Hot Cacao Powder.

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