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! 

Red velvet hot cocoa in a glass mug topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

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! 

Labeled ingredients for red velvet hot cocoa on a white marble countertop.
  • 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 

  1. Combine. Add all the ingredients to a mug. Stir with a spoon, or use a handheld frother to combine. 
  2. Serve. Top your cocoa with marshmallows, whipped cream hearts, cream cheese whipped cream, or sprinkles. Enjoy immediately! 
Two red velvet hot cocoas one made with red beet powder and red food coloring.

Common Questions 

Does red velvet and chocolate taste the same? 

No, although similar, red velvet has a richer, slightly tangier flavor than plain chocolate.

Can I make a large batch of red velvet hot cocoa? 

Absolutely! For a larger portion, double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients, and combine them in a pot on the stove. 

Can I add more flavor to homemade red velvet hot cocoa? 

Yes, for a slightly sweeter taste, stir in a sweetener like granulated sugar or maple syrup. Or, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. 

Two mugs of red velvet hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

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 in a glass mug topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Red Velvet Hot Cocoa Recipe

Sammi Ricke
Elevate your favorite drink with the rich flavors of this quick and easy three ingredient red velvet hot cocoa recipe!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 201 kcal

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.

Notes

Prep Tips – A handheld frother works best to stir these ingredients together. A spoon works, just have some patience for the ingredients to come together. It may take 1-2 minutes of stirring. If the hot cocoa is not red enough, add more food coloring or beet powder. The red beet powder we used did not alter the flavor of the hot cocoa, but depending on the brand used, there may be a slightly earthy flavor. 
Flavor Additions – ½ teaspoon vanilla extract may be added to the hot cocoa, if desired. 
Calories calculated using whole milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Similar Posts

5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    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!!