Red Wine Hot Chocolate Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy to learn more.
Thank you for supporting this blog!
An easy red wine hot chocolate recipe made with whole milk, chopped dark chocolate, and your favorite red wine. The ideal mug of boozy hot chocolate for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, or a cozy winter evening at home.
Key Ingredients
- Whole Milk – I like the creaminess of whole milk, but you can replace it with skimmed for a lighter drink, or with your favorite plant milk for a vegan-friendly option. Or, use whipping cream or half-and-half for a richer cup.
- Red Wine – When pairing chocolate and wine, consider sweetness (overly dry wines can taste bitter when paired with sweeter chocolates), tannin levels (red wines with moderate tannins work best to complement the bitterness of dark chocolate), and acidity (more acidic wines balance out the chocolate’s richer notes). I made my hot chocolate with a Cabernet Sauvignon, and have also tried this recipe with Malbec, but free to experiment to find the wine you like best. Note that you might need to adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe, depending on the sweetness of your red wine.
- Dark Chocolate – I recommend a good-quality dark chocolate rather than chocolate chips. Good chocolate also makes a big difference in the taste and texture of your finished beverage, so while grocery store chocolate chips will work in a pinch, it’s best to opt for a higher-quality chocolate. I’ve tested this recipe with Grand Aroma dark chocolate from Santa Barbara Chocolate, Guittard Lustrous 55%, and Callebaut 54.5% dark. All good choices!
- Granulated Sugar – A small amount of granulated sugar balances the bitter notes of dark chocolate and cocoa powder. Depending on the chocolate and wine you’ve chosen, you might want to adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it vegan. This hot chocolate recipe is very easy to make vegan-friendly. Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk alternative (soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk) and make sure you’re using a dairy-free dark chocolate. For another vegan option, try making my vegan hot chocolate recipe, too.
- Use smaller cups. As written, this recipe will make two small mugs of hot chocolate, or one large mug. However, red wine hot chocolate is best enjoyed in small quantities. I recommend serving it in small teacups or espresso cups.
- Add your favorite garnishes. Top with whipped cream, or coconut whipped cream; sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate or miniature chocolate chips, dust your hot chocolate with unsweetened cocoa powder, or top with a handful of homemade red wine marshmallows.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
- Total Time10 minutes
- Yield1-2 servings 1x
An easy red wine hot chocolate recipe made with whole milk, chopped dark chocolate, and your favorite red wine.
Ingredients
180 milliliters whole milk (3/4 cup)
120 milliliters red wine, such as cabernet or merlot (1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch fine sea salt
75 grams good-quality chopped dark chocolate, or chocolate callets (1/2 cup; 2 2/3 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red wine marshmallows, optional, to garnish
Instructions
In a small saucepan, warm whole milk, red wine, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt over medium heat, stirring gently until cocoa powder dissolves.
Add the chopped dark chocolate. Simmer over medium heat, whisking gently, for 1-2 minutes or until chocolate melts.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour red wine hot chocolate into mugs. Serve immediately, accompanied by red wine marshmallows.
Notes
As written, this recipe will make two small mugs of hot chocolate, or one large mug. Recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group.
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
While it’s best enjoyed on the day it is made, you can prepare red wine hot chocolate in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
For parties: I suggest making your red wine hot chocolate on the stovetop, then pouring it into a slow cooker to keep warm throughout the evening. Place a ladle and mugs nearby, and allow guests to serve themselves.
To reheat: Pour hot chocolate into a small saucepan and warm over low heat until steaming, or, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe mug.
Other Hot Chocolate Recipes You Might Enjoy
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
White Hot Chocolate
Ginger Hot Chocolate
Matcha Hot Chocolate
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
