This Grinch hot chocolate recipe is a holiday season's most loved recipe. It's a warm, creamy and a sweet drink. The bright green color with white chocolate base brings a cheers vibe to the festive season. Whether you are hosting a hosting a cozy movie night or making it for yourself, this drink instantly changes the mood! The best part? it's made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in few minutes.
For a chilled option, this iced pistachio frappe is another reader-favorite drink.
A Short Story About Grinch Hot Chocolate
A few years ago, during one of my child’s birthdays, a small party was planned at home with a few close friends. The goal was to serve something warm yet fun that the kids would enjoy. That’s when the idea of Grinch hot chocolate came up. After exploring a few different recipes, a final version was created with a festive twist that quickly became a favorite.
When I served it to the kids they instantly became to so happy to see the bright green color drink and they all enjoyed it a lot. Since then I make this drink a lot for kids and myself too.
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Ingredients For Grinch Chocolate
- Milk (2 cups)
- Condensed Milk (½ cup)
- White Chocolate Chips (½ cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1–2 teaspoons)
- Green & Yellow Gel Food Coloring (few drops)
- Whipped Cream (for topping)
- Sprinkles (for topping)
Hosting a holiday gathering? Try this easy pomegranate punch alongside your hot chocolate.
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds
Melt this smooth white chocolate easily for perfect coatings, drizzles, and desserts every time.
Americolor Soft Gel Paste Food Color, .75-Ounce, Avocado Green
Add vibrant avocado green color to your baked goods with Americolor's smooth, easy-to-use gel paste.
Longevity Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 Oz. (Pack of 2)
Enjoy rich, creamy sweetness perfect for desserts with Longevity Sweetened Condensed Milk, pack of 2.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions About Grinch Hot Chocolate
In a medium saucepan, add milk, Condensed milk and white chocolate
Keep the heat medium to low. When chocolate is melted add food color and vanilla extract. Stir until the color becomes perfect bright green.
Pour into your mugs and top with whipped cream.
Add green red and heart sprinkles.
Why This Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe Works?
This recipe works because every ingredient used in this recipe has a purpose and the drink comes together perfectly. The condensed milk adds richness to the milk. Vanilla extract adds warmth and the food gel gives it a bright green color without changing it's flavor. Top it with whipped cream and sprinkles to give it a festive and cozy vibe.
Substitutions
- Dairy Free - Use almond or oat milk if you are looking for a dairy free option
- Less Sweet - Use less condensed milk and more regular milk for less sweet option
- Skip Food Gel - Don't add food color and enjoy it as a white hot chocolate drink
If you enjoy fun, colorful drinks, you’ll also love this easy virgin sunset mocktail.
Variations
- Marshmallow - Skip whipped cream in the end and top it with mini marshmallows (kids will love it even more)
- Peppermint version - Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to give it a cool holiday twist.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Large Marshmallows, 10 Ounce
365 Large Marshmallows make perfect, fluffy treats for roasting or baking your favorite desserts.
Serving Suggestion
This hot chocolate in clear mugs to show off it's color.
Serve it with:
- chocolate chip cookies
- sugar cookies
- short bread or biscotti
You can Serve it on Christmas movie nights, winter sleepovers, kids' parties or cozy evenings by the fireplace.
This drink is perfect for the holidays don’t miss our other Christmas recipes and festive treats.
Nutrition (Estimated Values)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 14 g
Storage
To enjoy the best flavor of this drink make it fresh. However, you can store the leftover in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave (stir well before serving).
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Cooking on high flame - Slow cook milk and white chocolate because high heat can burn the milk.
- Adding too much food color - Add the food color slowly. Too many drops can affect the flavor and color of the drink.
- Cold mugs - Pour the drink in slightly warm mugs otherwise cold mugs will cause the hot chocolate harden quickly.
Looking for more festive beverages? Explore our collection of holiday and everyday drink recipes.
Top Tip
Always melt the white chocolate on low heat. This will prevent it from scorching and it will give a smooth silky texture.
FAQs
Grinch hot chocolate is typically made with milk, cocoa or white chocolate, sugar and green food coloring to create its festive look. Some versions also use vanilla or peppermint for extra flavor.
The green color is inspired by the Grinch character and is usually achieved with a small amount of green food coloring. It’s mainly for fun and holiday presentation.
The taste is very similar to classic hot chocolate. The difference is mostly visual, though some recipes add subtle flavors like vanilla or peppermint.
Yes. You can skip the food coloring or use natural alternatives like matcha powder or a small amount of spinach juice, though the color may be less vibrant.
Yes, it’s a fun and family-friendly holiday drink that kids love, especially because of the bright green color and sweet flavor.
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat it on the stove while stirring to maintain a smooth texture.
Popular toppings include whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, festive sprinkles, or a small heart-shaped candy for a Grinch-themed touch.
Traditionally, it’s served hot, especially during winter and Christmas gatherings, but it can also be chilled and served cold as a fun holiday twist.
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Pairing
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