Hey there! So, picture this: it’s chilly outside, you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket, and the only thing missing is a warm, festive drink that makes you feel like you’re on holiday. Enter my Festive Chai Hot Chocolate! This recipe is a fun mashup of creamy hot chocolate with a little chai spice twist—basically, a cup full of pure comfort and holiday vibes. It only takes 10 minutes, serves four, and is easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes from start to finish—no complicated steps, just pour, whisk, and enjoy.
Festive Vibes: With warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, each sip feels like a holiday hug.
A Cozy Twist on Hot Chocolate: Think hot chocolate, but with a chai-inspired upgrade—perfect for chilly days.
Made for Sharing (or Not): Whip up four servings for friends or treat yourself to seconds. I won’t tell!
Naturally Sweetened: With a touch of maple syrup, it’s got that sweet, rich flavor without any refined sugar.
Dairy-Free Deliciousness: Made with almond milk, this recipe is creamy and rich while being vegan-friendly.
Grab a mug and get cozy! This is the drink you’ll want all season long.
Try my Berry Cinnamon Margarita recipe.
What you’ll need to make
- Almond Milk – This dairy-free base makes the drink creamy and smooth, without feeling too heavy. Almond milk adds a slight nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the chai spices.
- Cocoa Powder – This is where all that rich, chocolatey goodness comes in! Using unsweetened cocoa powder lets us control the sweetness, so you get that deep chocolate flavor without it being overly sugary.
- Maple Syrup – For a hint of natural sweetness, maple syrup does the trick. It adds just the right amount of depth and balances out the spices without needing refined sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a splash of vanilla brings all the flavors together, adding warmth and a little extra coziness to every sip.
- The Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Allspice) – Here’s where the magic happens! These spices give the hot chocolate that chai-inspired twist. Together, they bring warmth, a bit of spice, and an aromatic blend that’ll instantly remind you of the holiday season.
Each ingredient plays its part in creating this rich, spiced-up version of classic hot chocolate, making it perfect for cozying up on a chilly day!
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Ingredients: Serves 4 |
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– 4 cups (960ml) almond milk, unsweetened |
– 4 tbsp cocoa powder |
– 1 tsp. vanilla extract |
– 3 tbsp maple syrup |
– 1/8 tsp ground cardamom |
– 1/8 tsp ground allspice |
– 1/8 tsp nutmeg |
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves |
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon |
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger |
What you’ll need to do
Time required: 10 mins
1- Grab a medium-sized pot and pour in all those cozy ingredients! Set the pot over medium-high heat, and let it all come to a nice rolling boil. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything melts together into chocolatey, spiced goodness. Now, lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 3 minutes—it’ll thicken up a little and get even richer.
2- Then, just pour this deliciousness into your favorite mugs and serve it up right away! Enjoy the warmth and those festive flavors!

Glycemic Index: Low (40) Glycemic Load: Low (6)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
1| Swap the Milk: If almond milk isn’t your thing, go with oat, coconut, or cashew milk for a different flavor and texture. Coconut milk adds a bit of extra richness, while oat milk brings a hint of natural sweetness.
2| Make it Decadent: For an extra creamy texture, use half almond milk and half canned coconut milk. It’ll give you a thicker, more indulgent hot chocolate.
3| Sweetener Options: Not a fan of maple syrup? Try honey, agave, or even a teaspoon of brown sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor.
4| Amp up the Chocolate: Add a small handful of dairy-free chocolate chips to make it ultra-rich. Just whisk until melted, and you’ll have a thicker, velvety drink.
5| Extra Spice Kick: Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a subtle, warming heat that balances the sweetness.
6| Whipped Topping: For a little flair, add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or regular whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a café-style finish.
7| Boost of Flavor: Try adding a shot of espresso or strongly brewed coffee for a mocha twist—it’s the perfect pick-me-up for cold mornings!
These ideas will let you personalize the drink to suit your taste or mood—whether you’re craving something extra creamy, spicier, or a little sweeter!
Try my Vanilla Chai Latte recipe.
Some useful tips for success
Here are a few handy tips to make your Festive Chai Hot Chocolate even better:
1| Whisking is Key: Keep whisking while heating to avoid clumps, especially with cocoa powder. This helps create a smooth, velvety drink.
2| Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This prevents the spices from becoming too strong and keeps the milk from scalding.
3| Adjust the Sweetness: Taste as you go! Add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter, or reduce it if you prefer a more bittersweet flavor.
4| Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh or recently opened spices. They’ll bring out a much bolder, aromatic chai experience.
5| Go for High-Quality Cocoa: If you have it, choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
6| Make It Frothy: For a café-style finish, use a milk frother after simmering. It’ll give the drink a nice, creamy foam on top!
7| Pre-Warm Your Mugs: Pour hot water into the mugs before making the drink, then pour it out before filling. This keeps your drink warmer for longer.
These tips will ensure your hot chocolate turns out rich, smooth, and full of that cozy, spiced flavor in every sip!

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Some serving suggestions
Here are some fun and cozy ways to serve up your Festive Chai Hot Chocolate:
1| Classic Mug & Whipped Cream: Pour it into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream (coconut or regular), then sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for a simple, cozy vibe.
2| Garnish with Whole Spices: For a little visual flair, garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves. They look festive and add a touch more aroma as you sip.
3| Marshmallow Magic: Add a handful of mini marshmallows, and for an extra treat, torch them slightly for a toasty flavor!
4| Rimmed with Spice Sugar: Dip the mug rim in maple syrup, then coat it with cinnamon-sugar or cocoa powder for a sweet, spiced edge with every sip.
5| Holiday-Ready Additions: Add a candy cane stir stick or sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. It’ll give a subtle minty touch and is perfect for holiday gatherings!
6| Serve with Biscotti or Cookies: Pair it with biscotti, gingerbread, or shortbread cookies on the side. They’re perfect for dunking and add a delicious crunch!
These serving ideas will make your Festive Chai Hot Chocolate look just as delightful as it tastes!
Some storage suggestions
1| Cool Before Storing: Allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature before transferring it to any storage containers. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it fresh.
2| Use Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain flavor and freshness. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
3| Refrigeration: Keep the hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as some ingredients may settle.
4| Freezing Options: If you have a larger batch, you can freeze it! Pour cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. It can last for 1-2 months in the freezer.
5| Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen hot chocolate, transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw, or use the microwave on a low setting, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
6| Reheating Tips: When reheating on the stove, use low heat and stir gently to prevent burning. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between to ensure even heating.
8| Add Fresh Ingredients When Reheating: If you find the flavors have faded a bit after storage, consider adding a pinch of fresh spices or a splash of maple syrup when reheating to revitalize the taste.
These suggestions will help you enjoy your Festive Chai Hot Chocolate over multiple cozy sessions!
And there you have it—a warm, spiced-up twist on hot chocolate that’ll make you feel like you’re sipping holiday cheer straight from the mug. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping the whole pot for yourself (no judgment here!), I hope this Festive Chai Hot Chocolate brings a little extra coziness to your day. Cheers to keeping warm, staying cozy, and enjoying the best flavors of the season!
Recipe Card
Festive Chai Hot Chocolate
Need a holiday pick-me-up? Try my Festive Chai Hot Chocolate! 🍂☕ This creamy, dairy-free drink blends the richness of cocoa with cozy chai spices—done in just 10 minutes. Perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Place all the ingredients into a medium sized pot over a medium/high heat. Bring to a rolling boil and whisk until everything has dissolved. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 3 minutes.
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Step 2:
Pour into cups and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 91kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Serving suggestion: whipped coconut cream, cocoa powder (not included in nutritional breakdown).