Ginger Hot Chocolate

An easy, 3-ingredient ginger hot chocolate recipe made with dark chocolate, whole milk, and homemade ginger simple syrup.

Why Make This Ginger Hot Chocolate?

Made with whole milk, dark chocolate, and homemade ginger syrup, my ginger hot chocolate recipe balances fiery ginger with bittersweet chocolate and creamy full-fat dairy, plus just the right amount of sweetness.

I especially enjoy making this ginger hot chocolate (and its cousin, gingerbread hot chocolate) during the holiday season, and throughout the winter months. Easily doubled, tripled, or quadrupled, this three-ingredient recipe works nicely for a festive Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebration, but it’s just as good for sipping by the fireplace on a quiet evening at home.

Ginger Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Whole Milk – I prefer the creaminess of whole milk, but you can make this recipe vegan or dairy-free by substituting your favorite plant milk. Or, use half-and-half for an even creamier drink.

• Dark Chocolate – The chocolate you choose will be the key flavor, so I suggest using a high-quality dark chocolate (Valrhona, Callebaut, Guittard, Cacao Barry) rather than cheap chocolate or chocolate baking chips.
• Ginger Simple Syrup – Homemade ginger syrup sweetens the hot chocolate and adds the spicy ginger flavor. (Keep reading to learn how to make your own!) For a shortcut, you can use a store-bought cocktail syrup, such as Monin.

Notes on Ginger Syrup

This recipe features a homemade ginger simple syrup, which sweetens the hot chocolate and creates the spicy ginger flavor.

To make ginger simple syrup, you’ll simmer sugar, water, and peeled fresh ginger in a saucepan on the stovetop, then steep the ginger in the sugary liquid for about an hour. Afer steeping, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the ginger, and you’re ready to make hot chocolate! (For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, please see my ginger simple syrup recipe.)

You’ll definitely have plenty of syrup left over. Save it for cocktails, or make a pitcher of ginger limeade.

Garnishing and Serving Ginger Hot Chocolate

You can garnish your ginger hot chocolate with classic toppings like whipped cream (or the ginger whipped cream from this Eton Mess recipe) or homemade marshmallows.

Other suggestions include curls or pieces of grated dark chocolate, a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, or bits of homemade candied ginger. Crushed ginger snap cookies would also make a nice finishing touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

While best served immediately, you can prepare your ginger hot chocolate in advance (or make a double recipe) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a small pan on the stovetop, or in a microwave-safe mug.

Other hot chocolate recipes you might enjoy:

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Grapefruit White Hot Chocolate
Rose 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!

Print