Before adding any of these inclusions to your entire hot cocoa mix homemade batch, test each one in a single prepared mug of hot cocoa. That way, you can see if you like it and you’ll know how much to add to your mix.
- Add some spice: For a Mexican hot chocolate riff, add cinnamon and a touch of chili or cayenne powder.
- Caffeinate it: Who else loves a morning mocha? Stir in instant coffee granules and savor the delicious start to your day.
- Make it even more chocolaty: Deepen the luxurious chocolate flavor and add some mini chocolate chips to the mix. The chips will melt right into the boiling water when you prepare a cup.
How to Store Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Store the homemade hot cocoa mix in a glass jar with a tight seal, like a Mason jar. Store the jar in a cool, dry place away from any humidity.
How long does this homemade hot cocoa mix last?
When stored properly, this homemade hot cocoa mix recipe should last up to a year. It will lose some of its cocoa potency over time, though. Whenever I store a homemade ingredient in my pantry, I like to write the date it was prepared on a piece of tape, then stick the tape onto the jar. This helps me keep track of its freshness.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Tips

How many cups of hot cocoa does this mix make?
This homemade hot cocoa mix with powdered milk yields 16 servings of hot cocoa. The recipe equates to 5 cups of hot cocoa mix, and each prepared mug of hot cocoa uses 5 tablespoons of mix.
Can I add milk instead of water to prepare the hot cocoa mix?
Absolutely! Instead of 1 cup boiling water, dissolve 5 tablespoons homemade hot cocoa mix into 1 cup very hot whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk or one of your favorite nondairy milk alternatives.
What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
The difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate is the type of chocolate used to make it. Hot cocoa uses cocoa powder, whereas hot chocolate will melt real chocolate into the base.
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