Starbucks Hot Chocolate

I can't be the only one obsessed with Starbucks hot chocolate. As soon as the there's the slightest crisp in the air I want my grande peppermint hot chocolate with whip cream. Man, I love that stuff. It reminds me of Christmas shopping with my husband and that some parts of the world outside of Texas get to enjoy these cool temps all fall long *sigh* For now, I'll take a stuff of this good stuff to put me in my happy place.

I've tried recreating this flavor for years and years, and this is the closest I've ever come. You do have to buy just the right syrups to make the flavor match, but I think it's worth it to be able to have this whenever I want.

Let's Get Started!

The Easy Way:

Buy this hot cocoa mix. Most big name grocery stores sell it.

Mix as directed (HAVE to use milk) and then skip to my "Add-Ins" below to make it taste just like they make it in the store.

Or use my dark chocolate cocoa mix here.

The From Scratch Method:

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. Hershey's special dark cocoa

1/3 c. hot water

Dash of salt

4 c. milk (I use 1%)

1/4 c. dark chocolate chips

In saucepan, add water, sugar, cocoa and salt. Mix with whisk. Boil over minute heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Immediately add milk and heat until warm (do not boil). Remove from heat and add in 1 tsp. chocolate chips per cup of cocoa - plus your favorite add-ins below.

ADD-INS:

For the syrups I only use Torani brand (what Starbucks uses). I've linked them to ones on Amazon so you can see what they bottles look like. Amazon is pricey!!! You can find a lot of them at grocery stores in the coffee aisle. Avoid using extracts unless that's all you can get your hands on. I've tried splashes of those before and they're okay, but not nearly as good as using the real syrups.

Normal Hot Chocolate Add-Ins:

8 oz. of hot chocolate

1 Tbsp. Torani vanilla syrup

Top with canned whipped cream

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Add-Ins:

8 oz. of hot chocolate

1 Tbsp. Torani vanilla syrup

2 Tbsp. Torani peppermint syrup

Top with canned whipped cream

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Add-Ins:

8 oz. of hot chocolate

2 Tbsp. Starbucks Toffee Nut Syrup

Top with canned whipped cream

Drizzle with Torani Caramel Sauce

Enjoy!