Indulge in Homemade Raspberry Hot Chocolate: Your Ultimate Winter Comfort Drink

Cuddle up during winter with Raspberry Hot Chocolate made from scratch using fresh, vibrant raspberries. This delightful drink offers the perfect balance of sweet chocolate and tart fruit. No fresh raspberries on hand? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe using frozen raspberries, raspberry jam, or even a few drops of raspberry extract to achieve that irresistible chocolate raspberry pairing. It’s the ultimate cozy beverage for those chilly days.

Raspberry Hot Chocolate made from scratch with fresh raspberries

As the holiday season winds down and the new year begins, the need for warmth and comfort becomes paramount. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas last week (or a Happy Hanukkah or just a happy week in general), filled with joy, good food, and perhaps a few thoughtful gifts. Speaking of gifts, I was thrilled to receive a few new cookbooks that I can’t wait to dive into, fueling my culinary adventures for the coming year. Among them are Baking Chez Moi, Plenty (whose mushroom ragout I’ve already put to the test!), and Baked Occasions. They are a testament to my simple gift preferences: cookbooks, grocery gift cards, or coffee house gift cards. Books, food, coffee – that’s my kind of drama-free joy (and certainly no scented candles or body lotion!).

Even though the festive rush is over and gingerbread treats have receded until next Christmas, the spirit of cozy indulgence remains. The colder months, particularly January and February, often bring harsh snowstorms, especially here in Pennsylvania, making homemade hot chocolate an absolute necessity. It’s the perfect antidote to the winter chill, offering a hug in a mug.

Then there’s New Year’s Eve, a night synonymous with celebrations and new beginnings. I think the last time I braved the outdoors to greet the new year was back in 1999, convinced the world might end (nice try, Y2K!). Nowadays, I prefer the warm comfort of my couch, watching the iconic Rockin’ New Year’s Eve in Times Square. While a small part of me dreams of joining the crowds someday, my ideal scenario involves a rented hotel room overlooking Times Square, where I could watch the ball drop with a big cup of (perhaps spiked!) hot chocolate in hand, far from the madding crowd. Until then, I’ll spare a warm thought for those poor (and perhaps a little silly) souls who brave the freezing cold all day for a few minutes of televised fame, and imagine serving them a steaming cup of my delightful Raspberry Hot Chocolate, made with whatever raspberries I have on hand.

This particular Raspberry Hot Chocolate recipe came about quite serendipitously, a happy result of having leftover fresh raspberries from my Raspberry Coconut Mini Pies. Although I created this recipe around the same time, its debut on the blog kept getting pushed back on my calendar. While winter isn’t technically peak raspberry season, the good news is that you can find fresh raspberries in most grocery stores all year round. Their bright, slightly tart flavor is precisely what makes this hot chocolate so incredibly special, cutting through the richness of the chocolate for a perfectly balanced sip.

Versatile Raspberry Options for Your Hot Chocolate

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You don’t always need fresh raspberries to achieve that fantastic chocolate-raspberry flavor. Here are your options:

Fresh Raspberries: If you can get them, fresh raspberries offer the most vibrant flavor and a wonderful, natural sweetness with a hint of tartness. They blend beautifully into a puree for the richest taste.
Frozen Raspberries: A fantastic and often more economical alternative, especially when fresh ones are out of season or pricey. Simply thaw them out (and drain any excess liquid to avoid watering down your hot chocolate) before pureeing.
Raspberry Jam: For a quick and easy solution, a good quality raspberry jam works wonders. It adds both the raspberry flavor and a lovely sweetness. Adjust the sugar in the recipe if your jam is already very sweet.
Raspberry Extract: If you’re looking for just a hint of raspberry essence without the fruit itself, a few drops of raspberry extract can deliver the desired flavor. This is particularly useful if you want a super smooth hot chocolate without any fruit pulp.

The Perfect Topping: Whipped Cream or Marshmallows?

No hot chocolate is complete without its signature topping! Do you prefer luscious homemade whipped cream or a cloud of mini marshmallows on top of your steaming mug? As a huge marshmallow fan, I often lean towards marshmallows for their melt-in-your-mouth goodness. However, I must admit that whipped cream definitely wins bonus points for its elegant presentation and creamy texture. If you’re like me and can’t decide, why not go for the best of both worlds with marshmallow whipped cream? It’s a game-changer!

For those feeling a little adventurous, stir in some raspberry jalapeno jam for a surprising kick! It’ll transform your drink into a spicy mocha experience, but with the unique warmth of jalapeno instead of the usual red chili pepper. It’s an unexpected twist that could become your new favorite!

Tips for the Best Homemade Raspberry Hot Chocolate

Quality Ingredients: Start with good quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base. The better the cocoa, the deeper the flavor.
Gentle Heat: When heating the milk, do so gently. Avoid boiling it vigorously, as this can scorch the milk and affect the flavor.
Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and raspberry puree thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free hot chocolate. A wire whisk works wonders.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference. Raspberries can vary in tartness, so you might need a little more or less sugar.
Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe by using your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well) and ensuring your cocoa powder is vegan.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes to Explore

Loved this raspberry hot chocolate recipe? There’s a whole world of comforting hot chocolate waiting for you! You’ll also enjoy these other delightful hot chocolate recipes from my collection:

Thick Hot Chocolate

S’mores Hot Chocolate

Caramel Hot Chocolate

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

Cheesecake Hot Chocolate

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Indulge in this cozy, homemade Raspberry Hot Chocolate, blending rich chocolate with tart raspberries. Perfect for a comforting winter treat!

Ingredients

12 ounces (roughly 3 1/2 cups) fresh raspberries*
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Mini marshmallows or whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil then boil for 3-5 minutes or until the raspberries are cooked down and the mixture thickens.
Remove from the heat and push through a strainer or sieve, discarding the seeds left behind. You should have roughly 1 cup puree.
In another medium saucepan, heat the milk until hot (but not boiling). Whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and raspberry puree. Serve immediately. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Notes

*You can also thaw out some frozen raspberries (drain extra liquid), add some raspberry jam, or even use a few drops of raspberry extract in place of the fresh raspberries.

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