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This simple hot chocolate recipe combines the right elements—deep rich cocoa, creamy milk, and vanilla to make the world’s best hot cocoa! In just a few minutes, you’ll have the perfect seasonal drink to warm you on a cold day, and this recipe makes enough to share.

overhead view of two white enamel mugs with hot cocoa on a blue and white vintage oval platter, sitting on a white tray. The tray is on a wood table alongside a silver vintage spoon that says "Sweet Life" and a vintage copper coffee pot.

Sources: Transfer-ware vintage, Cutting board vintage, (similar), Spoon Mudpie (Simila), linen napkin, enamel cup from Argentina similar cup, Copper Pot with bakelite handle vintage

Sometimes simple is best and this hot chocolate recipe may actually be the world’s best. I discovered this hot cocoa recipe on Pinterest recently and thought I would give it a try. It is so easy and delicious, and the pinch of salt makes all the difference! The perfect drink for a cold day.

If you have to stay inside because of the weather, then play games with the kids, do some crafts, read a few books, make some cookies, and sit down with a cup of “the worlds best hot cocoa.”

If you like hot chocolate check out my Pinterest board for hot chocolate where I feature all of the recipes I have discovered. Who knew there were so many ways to make hot cocoa and hot chocolate?

Why you’ll love the WOrld’s Best Hot Cocoa

Deep rich chocolate flavor
Takes just minutes to have enough for a small group
Great choice for holiday get-togethers, parties, Christmas morning breakfast or anytime

Ingredients

Cocoa
Sugar
Salt
Water
Milk
Vanilla

closeup of a white mug with blue rim filled with hot cocoa on atop view of two white enamel mugs with hot cocoa on a blue and white vintageoval platter, sitting on a white tray. The tray is on a wood table alongside a silver vintage spoon that says "The Sweet Life" and a vintage coffee ibrik with white ceramic mouth and blue enamel handle.

How to Make The World’s Best Hot Cocoa

This recipe is from Ashlee Marie.

In a saucepan mix all of the dry ingredients.
Add the water and bring to a boil.
Keep boiling for 1 minute then add the milk.
Whisk well and bring to a boil.
Pour into glasses and serve.

Tips & Variations

Add some toppings. Try a swirl of whipped cream, some mini-marshmellows, chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.
Spice it up. A pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and allspice will add to the holiday flavor of this cocoa beverage.