This Grinch hot chocolate recipe is a festive, creamy, and fun holiday drink that kids and adults both love. Made with a smooth white chocolate base and a cheerful green color, this cozy drink is perfect for Christmas movie nights, winter parties, or a quick seasonal treat at home.
The best part? It uses simple pantry ingredients, takes less than 10 minutes, and tastes rich without being overly sweet.
If you enjoy cozy winter drinks and sweet treats, you might also like our dessert recipes for more holiday‑inspired ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Hot Chocolate?
- Kid-friendly flavor (no bitter cocoa)
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Fun green color for Christmas parties
- Ready in minutes
- Easily customizable (dairy-free & less sweet options)
A Short Story Behind This Recipe
A few years ago, I hosted a small birthday party for my child and wanted to serve something warm yet playful for the kids. Regular hot chocolate felt too common, so I experimented with a Grinch-inspired version using white chocolate.
After testing a few variations, this final version became an instant hit. The kids were excited by the bright green color, and every mug was finished within minutes. Since then, this recipe has become a holiday favorite in our home.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A few drops green gel food coloring
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Holiday sprinkles (for topping)
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.
How to Make Grinch Hot Chocolate?
- Top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles. Serve immediately.
- In a medium saucepan, add milk, condensed milk, and white chocolate chips.
- Cook on medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Add vanilla extract and green food coloring. Stir until the color turns bright green.
- Pour into warm mugs.
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 milk or oat milk and dairy-free white chocolate
- Less sweet: Reduce condensed milk and add more regular milk
- No food coloring: Skip it and enjoy as white hot chocolate
Variations
- Marshmallow version: Replace whipped cream with mini marshmallows
- Peppermint twist: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Extra rich: Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream
365 by Whole Foods Market, Large Marshmallows, 10 Ounce
365 Large Marshmallows make perfect, fluffy treats for roasting or baking your favorite desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this drink in clear mugs to highlight the green color. Pair it with:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Sugar cookies
- Shortbread or biscotti
Perfect for Christmas movie nights, winter sleepovers, kids’ parties, or cozy evenings.
Serve it with classic treats like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies for a complete holiday experience.
Storage & Reheating
- This drink tastes best when fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring well before serving.
Nutrition (Estimated)
- Fat: 14 g
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
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.
This drink is perfect for festive evenings and holiday 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
Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Yes, this recipe uses white chocolate instead of cocoa powder, making it caffeine-free and kid-friendly.
Yes, just chop them finely so they melt evenly.
For the green color and smooth taste, white chocolate works best.
Reduce the amount of condensed milk and add more regular milk to balance the sweetness.
Absolutely. Skip the food coloring to enjoy a creamy white hot chocolate with the same delicious flavor.
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Pairing
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