Red Velvet Hot Cocoa
Red Velvet Hot Cocoa is a fun way to elevate your favorite comfort food drink. Made with hot chocolate mix, milk, and beet powder, it’s rich, chocolatey, and so easy to make!
Love hot chocolate? You won’t want to miss out on our gingerbread hot chocolate and bone broth hot chocolate, either!

What is Red Velvet Hot Cocoa?
Red velvet hot cocoa is regular hot chocolate infused with the flavors of popular red velvet recipes like red velvet cake mix cookies.
Most varieties infuse hot chocolate mix with cream cheese to create a rich, creamy taste. However, we make ours with a secret ingredient to enhance the flavor and replicate the red velvet color!
Recipe Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!

- Hot Cocoa Mix – We always have our homemade cocoa mix on hand, but you can use any hot chocolate powder you like best.
- Hot Milk – We highly recommend using whole milk for the richest taste and creamiest texture. However, you can use any milk or plant-based milk you like best. Or, use water, but keep in mind that your cocoa will be less flavorful and a little more watery.
- Red Beet Powder – We promise your hot cocoa won’t taste like beets! It just enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a pretty red color. If you’re not a fan, you can use red gel food coloring instead.
How to Make Red Velvet Hot Cocoa
- Combine. Add all the ingredients to a mug. Stir with a spoon, or use a handheld frother to combine.
- Serve. Top your cocoa with marshmallows, whipped cream hearts, cream cheese whipped cream, or sprinkles. Enjoy immediately!

Common Questions
No, although similar, red velvet has a richer, slightly tangier flavor than plain chocolate.
Absolutely! For a larger portion, double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients, and combine them in a pot on the stove.
Yes, for a slightly sweeter taste, stir in a sweetener like granulated sugar or maple syrup. Or, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

More Homemade Drinks To Try
Did you enjoy this Red Velvet Hot Cocoa Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!

Red Velvet Hot Cocoa Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons hot cocoa mix or a 1 ounce hot cocoa packet
- 8 ounces warm/hot milk
- ⅛ -¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring or 1 ½-2 teaspoons red beet powder
Instructions
- Add the hot cocoa mix, hot milk, and food coloring (or beet powder) to a 12 ounce mug. Stir together with a spoon or handheld frother until combined.2 Tablespoons hot cocoa mix, 8 ounces warm/hot milk, ⅛ -¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring or 1 ½-2 teaspoons red beet powder
- Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
We love to make this fun red velvet hot cocoa for Valentine’s Day and Christmas! It’s so creamy and whips up within minutes. Yum!!