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Chai Hot Chocolate

Name: Chai Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1½ cup unsweetened soy milk; 1.764 oz dairy-free dark chocolate; 2 Tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger; 3 cinnamon stick; 6 cardamom pod; 4 whole clove; 1 pinch cayenne pepper

10 min

Drink

10 ingredients or less

One-bowl / one-pot

This decadent, rich cup of chocolate is the definition of cozy. It's warm, velvety, sweet and spicy. Especially lovely to warm up with its festive flavours in the winter, but honestly perfect all year round!

Servings

Total

10 min

Prep

3 min

Cook

7 min

Swap out

soy

Free from

peanut

tree nut

sesame

gluten

Ingredients

1½ cups (360 mL)
unsweetened soy milk^†

any unsweetened plant-based milk of choice
1.8 oz (50 g)
dairy-free dark chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp (13 g)
Dutch processed cocoa powder
1 Tbsp (14 g)
granulated sugar

maple syrup
1 Tbsp (8 g)
fresh ginger, sliced
3
cinnamon sticks
6
cardamom pods, cracked
4
whole cloves
1 pinch
cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional toppings

cinnamon stick
chocolate shavings
vegan whipped cream

Directions

Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring throughout to avoid burning.
When hot, pour through a sieve and serve in your favourite mugs.
Top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

^†Nutrition tip: aim to use plant-based milk that is fortified with calcium.

Storage

Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition per serving

Calories 263 kcal

Total fat	14.6 g
Omega-3	0.0 g
Omega-6	0.4 g
Saturated fat	7.1 g
Trans fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol	0.0 mg

Total carbs	28.5 g
Dietary fiber	7.1 g
Total sugars	14.0 g
Added sugars	12.6 g
Protein	8.6 g
Sodium	76 mg

Iron	5.17 mg
Potassium	601.2 mg
Calcium	276.8 mg
Magnesium	123.2 mg
Zinc	1.35 mg
Copper	0.86 mg
Manganese	1.49 mg
Phosphorus	187.9 mg
Selenium	3 μg

Vitamin A	115 μg RAE
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Vitamin B12	2 μg
Vitamin C	0.4 mg
Vitamin D	2 μg
Vitamin E	0.3 mg
Vitamin K	3 μg
Folate	3 μg
Thiamin	0.3 mg
Riboflavin	0.4 mg
Niacin	0.8 mg
Choline	2.3 mg

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

Show nutrition info

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Meenakshi Shinde - Dec. 23, 2024, 7:35 a.m.

Best HOT chocolate I ever had. The spices and cocoa combination is unique

Sai Kaushika - Dec. 11, 2024, 9:42 p.m.

Delicious and comforting !

Nicole Mostofa - Nov. 13, 2024, 5:32 p.m.

Love the kick from the chili and ginger 🌶

Nicole Mostofa - Nov. 14, 2024, 1:51 p.m.

And it's nice too see only 5-star reviews for this one. ⭐️

Mitzylopochtli - Nov. 6, 2024, 10:07 p.m.

The most delicious thing I have ever tasted!

Alexis S - Aug. 12, 2024, 6:54 a.m.

I cannot express how much I like this hot chocolate! This is by far the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had! I love to make this when I’m feeling sick or on a cold day.

PUL Team - Aug. 13, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Aww so glad that the chai hot chocolate is being enjoyed, Alexis! It's one of our favourite cold weather drinks 🤗

Neo - July 2, 2024, 6:56 a.m.

It’s been well over a year since I’ve introduced this recipe into my home, and I can’t get enough of it. Thank you Pick up limes 💚

PUL Team - July 2, 2024, 3:38 p.m.

So glad that the chai hot chocolate has been enjoyed since then! Thanks, Neo 🫶

Gesa von Hirschheydt - Jan. 24, 2024, 6:49 p.m.

Always a wonderfully comforting and warming drink <3

Shuchita Tripathi - Jan. 15, 2024, 1:54 a.m.

It came out great! I had to add a tsp of extra sugar, but it was great.

Kari garci-crespo - Dec. 31, 2023, 2:19 a.m.

I just tried... All the family loves this recipe

Yume - Dec. 28, 2023, 9:11 a.m.

So good!!! It's amazing 😍

Ewa - Dec. 18, 2023, 5:39 p.m.

So delicious, the texture is so creamy 😍

Morganna - Dec. 11, 2023, 3 p.m.

Best hot chocolate I ever had 😍.

Aga - Dec. 4, 2023, 11:10 p.m.

Creamy and very chocolaty, absolutely delicious when paired with raspberries

Chrysiida - Dec. 2, 2023, 2:24 p.m.

My favorite hot chocolate recipe! I remember I made it a couple of years ago for me and my friends following the blogs' instructions. I made it again now and it is as good as I remember it!

Charlotte - Nov. 20, 2023, 7:09 p.m.

I've adored this recipe for the longest time and it's a firm winter favourite. Today I took the ingredients from the recipe and made it into an oatmeal bowl topped with banana coins, granola, coconut yogurt and almond butter. It was very good!

PUL Team - Nov. 21, 2023, 5:51 p.m.

Oh my gooodness, an oatmeal bowl sounds incredible! Thanks for the idea and for sharing your experience with the recipe, Charlotte 🥰

Deepali - Nov. 14, 2023, 7:55 p.m.

If I want to add coffee to this or make this caffeinated, what could I do?

PUL Team - Nov. 15, 2023, 1:14 a.m.

Hey Deepali, you could replace some of the soy milk with brewed coffee or espresso if you'd like 🤗

Ava - Nov. 2, 2023, 8:11 p.m.

So so tasty!! One of my go to drinks when feeling like something cosy and warm.

Shasthra - July 14, 2023, 2:20 p.m.

Amazing spice blend!

shankar - June 5, 2023, 7:01 a.m.

It's a symphony in my mouth. Just love it !!!!

Jo Bolio - Feb. 24, 2023, 1:40 a.m.

I loooooove this recipe!! It's such a nice blend and very cozy. I made a. whole pot for my family and friends and they absolutely loved it!!! I could say it's legendary.

PUL Team - Feb. 25, 2023, 7:46 a.m.

Awe so nice of you to make it for everyone, Jo! Thank you 😎

Isabelle - Feb. 19, 2023, 8:30 p.m.

Wow, this is absolutely delicious. Thank you!

Madhura - Jan. 27, 2023, 9:33 p.m.

One of my all time favorite winter evening beverages!

SimON - Jan. 20, 2023, 10:18 p.m.

Love it so much, this was inspiring! I am just a beginner here at PUL, but already think your recipes should be sent into space as proof of the intelligence and awesomeness of our civilization!

PUL Team - Jan. 21, 2023, 12:24 a.m.

Awe welcome to the PUL community, SimON - we're so glad the recipes are being enjoyed too!

Lisette - Jan. 9, 2023, 8:20 p.m.

What percentage of cocoa does the dark chocolate bar you use contain?

PUL Team - Jan. 10, 2023, 4:10 a.m.

Hey Lisette, it varies but we tend to use higher quality dark chocolate around 70%. The higher the percentage the more bitter the taste tends to be. If you find the drink too bitter you can add a touch of sweeter to taste though 🙂

Sarada Debnath - Dec. 22, 2022, 7:24 a.m.

I don't know how to say,but PICK UP LIMES is my most favorite yt channel. I love it so so much. 😍 and

PUL Team - Dec. 22, 2022, 6:15 p.m.

Oh, Sarada, you're too kind! Thank you for helping make our community so special 💛

Neo - Dec. 18, 2022, 3:56 a.m.

The most delicious hot chocolate I’ve ever made 😊 thank you for this recipe ❤️
It’s Neo, all the way from South Africa.

PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2022, 9:49 p.m.

Such a big compliment, Neo, thank you! Lots of love to South Africa 🥰

Kira - Dec. 18, 2022, 3:34 a.m.

My mom and I tried your chai hot chocolate and my dad loved it so much he kept asking for more. I love this recipe so much. Love Kira.

PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2022, 9:46 p.m.

Aw we're so happy to hear, Kira! Sending you and your family lots of hugs 🤗

Adithi s - Dec. 13, 2022, 1:11 p.m.

Tried it and it tasted amazing

Amy - Dec. 1, 2022, 6:07 p.m.

I am hoping to make this for a party so I want to make 20 servings....when I use the calculator in the recipe it seems like A LOT of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc......is this right or do I scale down on them??

PUL Team - Dec. 2, 2022, 8:56 p.m.

Hey Amy, scaling spices and herbs can be tricky! Especially for recipes that we make ahead and may meld. As a very general rule of thumb, you could opt to increase spices and dried herbs by a quarter to half the total amount for additional servings, and add more to taste as needed. For example for 20 servings in this recipe, you could start with 7.5 cinnamon sticks, 15 cardamom pods, and 10 whole cloves, add then add more to taste to avoid overdoing it. We'll note down scaling spices as an area to improve on the website in the future. We hope this helps for now, Amy, and you enjoy the hot chocolate if you give it a try 😃

Nadika - Nov. 15, 2022, 1:02 a.m.

A true hug in a mug! This has been our go-to warm treat for fall and winter. It’s just so so lovely!

PUL Team - Nov. 15, 2022, 2:46 a.m.

Aw we're so glad it's being enjoyed, Nadika 😃

Priti - Aug. 9, 2022, 7:18 p.m.

Love this recipe sooo much!!! Never loved a hot chocolate made at home this much!!! Don’t think I can enjoy even cafe hot chocolate after having this!! Thank you so much!!

PUL Team - Aug. 10, 2022, 8:23 a.m.

Such a big compliment, Priti, thank YOU so much ☺️

Divyam - July 2, 2022, 8:45 p.m.

This was so delicious and comforting! Loved the taste of hot chocolate with those additional spices. I have a sore throat right now, and was craving something rich, warm and sweet to soothe my throat. I knew this site would have the answer.😃

PUL Team - July 4, 2022, 6:14 p.m.

So happy to hear, Divyam, and we hope your throat feels better soon ✨

Anna - March 3, 2022, 12:37 p.m.

I LOVE this chocolate!!!!

Isobelle - Feb. 25, 2022, 3:27 p.m.

WOW! Talk about decadent - this hot chocolate is everything you could want in a mug. So rich, thick, creamy and infused with wonderful spices! Although it's takes some effort, it's totally worth it. Even better than the restaurant drink!

PUL Team - Feb. 25, 2022, 4:10 p.m.

Hi there, Isobelle, thank you for the incredible review! We're beyond happy the recipe was enjoyed 😃

Rebecca - Jan. 30, 2022, 11:29 p.m.

This was so delicious and easy to make. I don't think i will make hot chocolate any other way now! I didn't have any cardamon pods and it was still delicious.

PUL Team - Jan. 31, 2022, 2:24 a.m.

Aw we're so thrilled it was enjoyed! Thanks a bunch, Rebecca 😃

Louise - Dec. 19, 2021, 2:30 p.m.

Hey PUL team !
A big thank you for all the work you put into this and the quality of the content !
I was wondering if you think it is possible to turn this recipe into an instant mixte like the ones you did in your last videos ?
If I put some cinamon power (instead of the stick), ginger powder (instead of fresh) and ground caradmon ?

Let me know what you think !

Have a nice sunday !

PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2021, 5:07 a.m.

Hey Louise! We haven't tested it out but it sounds like a lovely idea! It may be worthwhile to add less of the spices to start and add more to taste since powdered spices tend to be more concentrated in flavour 🙂 Let us know how it goes if you experiment with it :D

Maisha Maliha Rahman - Dec. 14, 2021, 7:52 a.m.

By far, my most favorite hot chocolate recipe! Not only it's super tasty, but also soothes the throat and soul with such a warm hug <3 This kind of have ruined coffeeshop hot chocolates for me, as I always feel like "I can make better at home!"; but I'm not complaining. This recipe deserves it.

PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2021, 6:38 a.m.

Such a huuuge compliment, Maisha - thank you for the glowing review 😃 💚

Ayesha Tariq - Dec. 13, 2021, 10:55 a.m.

Loved your recipe. These spices are an intelligent addition.
Keep up the good work, Sadia!

PUL Team - Dec. 14, 2021, 4:41 a.m.

Aw it means so much, Ayesha Tariq, thank you!

Ayesha Fatima - Nov. 28, 2021, 6:22 a.m.

Love this hot chocolate recipe, the spices elevated this drink to another level. I loved how it wasn't too sweet but still has that classic chocolate flavor.

PUL Team - Nov. 28, 2021, 11:05 p.m.

Woohoo! We appreciate this so much, Ayesha 😃

Tessa - Sept. 29, 2021, 8:06 p.m.

Absolutely amazing! Didn’t know hot chocolate needed any improvements but this really makes it special and especially festive. Served it with desert and everyone preferred it to the dish! 100% a new winter/fall staple.

PUL Team - Sept. 29, 2021, 9:26 p.m.

So happy the hot chocolate was enjoyed, Tessa, thank you!

Rosemarie - July 25, 2021, 4:17 p.m.

So decadent! I can’t wait to make this again. It really is like a warm hug!

Nyn - July 25, 2021, 9:39 a.m.

Love this drink! Especially the coconut cream on top is delish!

Ky - July 24, 2021, 1:25 a.m.

This is my go to hot chocolate recipe! I usually leave out the cardamom, cloves, and cayenne for a more classic flavor, but both absolutely hit the spot!

PUL Team - July 25, 2021, 9:10 p.m.

So happy you're enjoying the hot chocolate, Ky 😊

Priyanka - July 23, 2021, 5:20 a.m.

Best drink I've ever put in my mouth. And my mom agreed. I've had regular hot chocolate before, but the spices in this recipe take it to a WHOLE NEW WORLD. SO glad I tried this recipe. Thanks so much for sharing, Sadia!

PUL Team - July 25, 2021, 6:50 a.m.

What an incredible compliment, Priyanka! Thank YOU for the glowing review 🥰

Katherine Broberg - July 9, 2021, 8:19 p.m.

This is a favorite in winter time for my kids. It’s a tasty gateway to the world of spices for them.

PUL Team - July 14, 2021, 3:46 p.m.

So happy to hear your little ones are enjoying the drink, Katherine!