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Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe
Starbucks Hot Chocolate
By Todd Wilbur

Recipe Type: Drink
Calories: 191
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Recipe Rating: 4.6 (50 reviews)
 
Starbucks makes its hot chocolate with mocha syrup that's used for a variety of other drinks in the store. A barista combines mocha syrup with a couple squirts of vanilla syrup and heated milk, and he then finishes off the drink with a sweet pile of whipped cream. We can duplicate the process by first creating our own chocolate syrup in the microwave with cocoa -- Hershey or Nestle brand each works great. After adding milk to our heated chocolate mixture, we pop it back into the microwave again until piping hot. A little vanilla extract added at the end gives the drink the vanilla hints of the original. I found that a 2-cup glass measuring cup with a spout works best to heat the drink in the microwave. Then, when it's ready, you can easily pour the hot chocolate into a 16-ounce coffee mug and get on with the sipping.
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish
whipped cream

1. Combine the water, cocoa, and sugar in a 16-ounce microwave-safe pitcher, such as a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Zap the mixture on high for 30 seconds, or until hot. Stir well to create chocolate syrup.

2.  Add the milk to the chocolate syrup and microwave the mixture for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until hot. Add the vanilla and pour the drink into a 16-ounce coffee mug. Serve with whipped cream on top.

Make one 16-ounce (grande size) serving.
        
Taylor Cross  
Submitted on 10/02/12
I loved it!!!! I am in Australia so I don't know what star bucks tastes like..but this was probably the best homemade chocolate, instead of cream I put marshmallows in instead! I was craving a hot chocolate as it was cold today and this was the perfect recipe because it was quick and tasted amazing!!!
M Singh  
Submitted on 09/08/12
This is such an amazing recipe! I just made myself a cup, and honestly it tastes even better than the Starbucks version, and I don't feel it's that 'heavy' a drink. Less guilt, more taste, this honestly could give Starbucks a run for their money. SUPER!
Stewart Smith  
Submitted on 09/18/11
I think this might put Starbucks out of business. This is an exact copy-cat recipe of their Hot Chocolate! It tastes the same! I guess I'll be making my own instead of shelling out $3.16 per cup now.
patti parrish  
Submitted on 03/25/11
This is the best hot chocolate recipe ever! Just like my grandma use to make for me!
Jeff  
Submitted on 06/18/09
I have used this recipe once before, and it is AMAZING! THe Starbucks here is disgusting, using hot water instead of milk. Ugh. 5 stars!
Jane  
Submitted on 04/28/09
Excellent. My husband loves hot chocolate and this is such a treat for a 100% disabled person! He can't get out to restaurants anymore and that's why I like to find such wonderful recipes like yours. I have your cookbook and use it a lot. I have been watching you since you first started and have many of your early recipes. Love them! Thank you so much!
SH  
Submitted on 01/11/09
I used to make this all the time and it's fantastic. Now I'm on a low carb diet and easily substituted heavy cream for the milk and Splenda for the sugar.
Cheri  
Submitted on 12/23/08
I quadrupled the recipe. I added the vanilla into the syrup when it was hot, then poured about 3oz into mugs, added milk and nuked until hot. I had left over syrup to save for later! Delicious!
Chris  
Submitted on 10/10/08
This is just like the real thing sipping it at the mo! Didn't think it would be this good. Thanks very much well done.
Derek  
Submitted on 08/12/08
Just tried this for my daughter and me. As a frequent hot chocolate drinker this tops the bill, quick and easy, with ingredients that were already in the house.
Christina  
Submitted on 06/17/08
This is alot better then Starbucks. The Starbucks where I live doesn't use steamed or hot milk in their hot chocolate they us HOT WATER. I have to say this recipe is soooo much better,
8yrcook  
Submitted on 05/20/08
MMMMM!!! my sister nearly ate the mug!! I recommend serving with a cherry. 5*!!
Karen  
Submitted on 03/28/08
I passed up Starbucks on the way home lamenting to my son that even Todd Wilbur probably doesn't know how to make their hot chocolate... went online as soon as we got home and it was here and amazing! We didn't have enough milk (teenage boy) and had to put powdered milk in for about a third of the amount called for and it was still incredibly good! I am thrilled. (I own Top Secret Restaurant Recipes and 2 so I expected no less, thank you.)
Barista Steve  
Submitted on 01/19/08
The Vanilla goes into the cream before it gets whipped.
Darci  
Submitted on 11/21/07
I just made this recipe using Hershey's Special Dark cocoa and Soymilk, as my mother and I are lactose intollerant. Havn't tried the real stuff, but this tastes pretty good! Mum says it's a bit watery, and I think the cocoa is abit strong. I mixed in a splash of blackberry syrup, which is excellent!
brianna  
Submitted on 05/15/07
I'm making it right now and already tastes great!! I've always wanted to make my own starbucks hot cocoa. It just finsihed right now and.......... it tastes AWESOME!!! You have to try it if you haven't already!! Totally amazing!
Julie  
Submitted on 01/26/07
Very good copycat. I add a tsp of caramel flavoring and hazelnut flavoring to make "Snickers" hot chocolate and top with whipped cream. It's awesome!
micheal  
Submitted on 11/25/06
This tastes great!Just like starbucks. I really recommend it.
Yousif Alchalabi  
Submitted on 09/29/06
I tasted this and i tasted the original and there is no difference!
Katy  
Submitted on 08/12/06
I work for at Starbucks in Houston and I must say that I can make better hot chocolate at my starbucks. I will also say that it does come close and if you have a milk steamer at home this will taste better. Its all about the creamy frothy hot milk. The chocolate is easy to copy.
Ashley G  
Submitted on 03/20/06
Best Hot Chocolate ever!!! We made it last night...Perfect for a cold winter night!
TheresaXXX  
Submitted on 03/03/06
For everyone who says "skip the vanilla extract" ... As any good pastry chef can tell you, vanilla actually enhances the flavor of chocolate! DO NOT skip the vanilla! You will alter the taste of the product This recipe is great! Tastes just like Starbucks!!!
JoD  
Submitted on 03/03/06
I have made hot chocolate for years, this recipe is good, but if you really want a richer flavor, use carnation evaporated milk in place of water to mix with your cocoa, super rich and creamy! Thanks
Anonymous  
Submitted on 03/02/06
YUMMMMM! This is my new favorite recipe to curl up with on a cold Michigan winter night. Thanks!
KK  
Submitted on 02/28/06
Ok, maybe I did something wrong but I thought it was DISCUSTING! Lumpy, lumpy, lumpy and absolutely nothing like Starbucks!
Gramdma Nancy  
Submitted on 02/28/06
Great taste and it so easy. My grand children will love it!!!!!!!!!!
jayhawkfan  
Submitted on 02/27/06
I am a self-proclaimed hot cocoa expert! Every year I get like 10 different kinds of cocoa for Christmas. Starbucks is my favorite and this tastes EXACTLY like it! Thanks for saving me a ton of money!
Amie H.  
Submitted on 02/27/06
I have to admit I've never had starbucks' hot chocolate, however we made this, found it easy and tasty, yet preferred our old tried and true brand which we actually get from a food storage cannery. I would recommend it to others who perhaps spend a bit of money on hot chocolate and want to cut costs.
NYNative  
Submitted on 02/23/06
YUM YUM YUM!!! This was easy and delish! Soooo reminds me of Starbucks!
Maggie  
Submitted on 02/23/06
This was sooo good. I used Ghiradelli chocolate, skim milk and the vanilla. I'll never go back to plain old hot chocolate. Thanks.
Danielle  
Submitted on 02/23/06
So yummy! Tastes just like Starbucks!
Loni  
Submitted on 02/23/06
Great taste and easy - Thx!
EliGiggle  
Submitted on 02/21/06
I am a Starbucks barista and I have to say that this recipe is as close as it comes to the original.
tmac  
Submitted on 02/21/06
Pretty good, could be more chocolatey. I also don't put the vanilla in, instead I like to use flavored coffee creamers (or other extracts) in my hot choco. My faves are hazelnut, amaretto, french vanilla, caramel & coconut.
Qris  
Submitted on 02/19/06
Wonderfully good!
Heidi G  
Submitted on 02/19/06
I have also found that using a Better cocoa powder makes this recipe even better than Starbuck's, hits the spot on a cold Oregon Winter day, thank you.
Ali  
Submitted on 02/14/06
The only thing I have changed about this is using Marshmallow Creme instead of whipped cream. It does change the taste just a bit, but I like the Creme better.
 
Submitted on 02/14/06
Yum! Yum! Yum! It's the perfect thing for a cold, winter day!
FloM  
Submitted on 02/14/06
This recipe reminds me of the hot chocolate my dad used to make. yum yum
GrammaSal  
Submitted on 02/14/06
This is good, but find that using regular or lite hot chocolate powder and adding the vanilla gave me the same taste as the original Starbucks also.
jean haimalas  
Submitted on 02/14/06
I love this recipie, whenever I fly, I always get a hot chocolate at Starbucks. It tastes like the real deal! So easy to make, makes the top of my list.
KellyS.  
Submitted on 02/14/06
This recipe was wonderful. I love hot chocolate and my kids had fun making their own!
LauraF  
Submitted on 02/14/06
LOVE IT! I used Hershey's cocoa and non fat milk. YUM! Tastes as good as Starbucks!!
SnowInSummer  
Submitted on 02/14/06
Great Hot Chocolate. Starbucks makes 2 kinds of Hot Chocolate. The first and cheapest is made with hot milk and their mocha syrup and the second is Godiva Hot Chocolate mix.
The Best Cocoa For the Job  
Submitted on 02/14/06
This is a great recipe especially when a superior brand of cocoa is used. Maybe discard the vanilla extract?? The very BEST cocoa for making hot chocolate is Droste!! It's much smoother than any other. Droste is more expensive but, as they say, you get what you pay for!
MCS  
Submitted on 02/13/06
I've never had Starbucks, I never seem to make it past the coffee, but this is good. I might have wanted a bit more chocolate, but still very good. Will be MUCH easier on my hot chocolate budget.
Jamie  
Submitted on 02/13/06
Nice and easy - thanks!
Crystal  
Submitted on 02/13/06
Very easy to make, and tastes wonderful! Easy to make bigger batches too!
ChristineMM  
Submitted on 02/13/06
I would recommend using a higher quality cocoa powder product. In my opinion Ghiradelli is superior to Hershey's or Nestle's brand. Now I use only Dagoba brand (which is also organic) as it is the most delicious and potent tasking chocolate flavor than I have ever had! I make mine without the vanilla extract or the whipped cream, and it is still out of this world (even with 1% milk). I use 8 oz of milk to 3 tsp cocoa and 3 tsp sugar.
Carol  
Submitted on 02/13/06
Growing up right after the depression, we often had what we called "Hot Cocoa"- your recipe hasn't changed since then and it's as good now as it was then. Thanks for sharing with the younger generation!