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- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish) - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt - Whipped cream (for topping) - Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish) To make this drink, you need some key items. Milk is the base. You can use dairy or non-dairy options, like almond or oat milk. Cocoa powder gives the hot chocolate its rich taste. Sugar adds sweetness, but you can adjust it. Fresh blackberries bring a fruity twist. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and sea salt balances the sweetness. Finally, whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings make it look fancy. - Cinnamon or nutmeg for spice - A dash of espresso for richness - Mint leaves for a refreshing touch If you want to boost the taste, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These add warmth to the drink. A dash of espresso gives a rich flavor. For a refreshing twist, mint leaves can brighten the drink. - Almond or soy milk for dairy-free - Coconut sugar or honey for sweeteners - Frozen blackberries if fresh are not available You can swap ingredients to fit your needs. Use almond or soy milk to make it dairy-free. Coconut sugar or honey can replace regular sugar. If you can't find fresh blackberries, use frozen ones. Just thaw them before cooking. - Cooking the Blackberries Start by adding 1/2 cup of fresh blackberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar into a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a fork to mash the blackberries as they cook. This helps them release their sweet juice. - Straining the Mixture Once the blackberries soften, remove the saucepan from the heat. Get a fine sieve and place it over a bowl. Pour the cooked blackberries into the sieve. Use a spoon to press the mixture. This action separates the juice from the seeds. You will have a lovely, thick blackberry syrup. Set it aside. - Heating the Milk In the same saucepan, pour in 1 cup of milk. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk based on your choice. Heat the milk gently. Do not let it boil; just warm it up. - Mixing Cocoa and Components Once the milk is warm, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Also, add a pinch of sea salt. Whisk it all together until smooth. This creates a rich chocolate base for your drink. - Incorporating Blackberry Syrup Now, bring back the blackberry syrup you made earlier. Stir it into the chocolate milk. Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. - Whisking for Consistency Keep whisking the mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures that everything blends well together. You want a creamy and rich hot chocolate. Once it’s all heated through, it’s ready to pour! To make your blackberry hot chocolate smooth, watch the heat. Heat the milk gently. If it boils, it can curdle. Mix the cocoa powder well to avoid lumps. Whisk continuously while you heat the milk and blackberry syrup. This keeps everything creamy and well blended. The goal is a velvety texture that coats your tongue. Garnishes add fun and flavor. Top your hot chocolate with fluffy whipped cream. A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings gives it a nice touch. Whole blackberries add a pop of color and flavor. You can also use crushed graham crackers for a twist. Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for extra sweetness. You can change the sweetness to fit your taste. Start with two tablespoons of sugar. Taste it, then add more if needed. For deeper flavor, try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with chocolate and blackberries. If you want a richer taste, use dark cocoa powder. It gives a more intense chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar. {{image_2}} To make a vegan version, use plant-based milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk work great. Replace dairy milk with one cup of your choice. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You’ll still get that rich, cozy flavor. Trust me, it’s just as delicious! If you're avoiding dairy but still want a creamy drink, go for full-fat coconut milk. It adds a nice creaminess and pairs perfectly with blackberries. Also, use dark chocolate that is dairy-free for garnishing. You can enjoy the same cozy delight without the dairy! Want to mix things up? Add a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. Both spices enhance the warmth. You can also try a splash of mint extract for a refreshing twist. For a richer experience, stir in a tablespoon of almond butter. Each twist makes your hot chocolate a new adventure! To store leftover hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to store it right away. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. When you're ready to drink your hot chocolate, reheating it is easy. Pour it into a saucepan. Heat it over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. If it's too thick, add a little milk to loosen it up. You can also warm it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe mug and heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to keep it smooth. If you have leftover blackberry syrup, freezing it is a smart choice. Pour the syrup into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag. This way, you can add a burst of flavor to other drinks or desserts later. Just thaw a cube in the fridge or warm it slightly to use again. Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Frozen blackberries work well in this recipe. They will still give you that sweet, rich flavor. You may need to adjust the sugar since frozen blackberries can be sweeter. Absolutely, you can make this hot chocolate sugar-free. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. These options keep the sweetness without the calories. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. To spice it up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon. Both add warmth and depth. For a richer taste, try adding more cocoa powder or dark chocolate. You can also drizzle some chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream for extra indulgence. Blackberry hot chocolate combines rich chocolate and berry sweetness. We covered essential ingredients and fun options to boost flavor. I shared easy step-by-step instructions, from making berry syrup to combining ingredients. You learned tips for texture, sweetness, and unique variations like vegan recipes. Storing leftovers is simple, too. I hope you feel inspired to create your own delicious drink. Enjoy every creamy, fruity sip.

Blackberry Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the rich, fruity flavor of Blackberry Hot Chocolate that blends creamy cocoa with fresh blackberries for a delightful twist on a classic treat! This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes and is perfect for cozy nights. With simple ingredients like milk, cocoa powder, and whipped cream, you'll have a delicious drink that’s sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and enjoy a cup of this sweet warm delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

Whipped cream (for topping)

Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, mashing the blackberries with a fork until they release their juices. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, discarding the seeds. Set aside the blackberry syrup.

    In the same saucepan, add the milk and heat gently, avoiding boiling. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of sea salt, whisking until well mixed and smooth.

      Once the milk is warm, add the strained blackberry syrup and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Continue to whisk until everything is fully incorporated and heated through, about 2-3 more minutes.

        Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.

          Top each mug generously with whipped cream and garnish with a few whole blackberries and dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2