Hot cocoa and apple cider are two of the more iconic winter-season beverages. Both warm the body, even in the chilliest of winters, and for many families, both have a deep-seated history of holiday enjoyment during the winter season. Theres no doubt that many of us remember coming in from making snowmen to a piping hot cup of hot chocolate laid before us with a plate of cookies. In contrast, others have fond memories of enjoying cocoa while watching movies in the final days of school before the winter holidays. Perhaps your connection to hot cocoa stems directly from the seminal classic, “The Polar Express,” where the children were treated to hot cocoa while riding the train to the North Pole. Or perhaps youve been chasing that perfect cup of hot chocolate Judy shares in the original “Santa Claus.”
No matter your connection, theres a good chance youve made hot cocoa before, and if you have, you may have encountered the same quandary we have found ourselves with: Does water or milk make better hot chocolate? On a mission to find out, and to avoid common hot chocolate mistakes, we conducted a blind taste test, comparing hot chocolate made with milk, water, and a combination of the two. While we werent shocked by our results, we were surprised by just how delicious even our least favorite option was.
Although hot chocolate doesn’t necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.
How we make our hot cocoa
We always start by adding scoops of cocoa to the bottom of our cup. This technique ensures that when you pour your liquid on top, whether its milk or water, the powder dissolves more easily. Adding cocoa on top of the liquid tends to create a clumpy mixture, prolonging the mixing process. We use our electric whisk, pressing the button a few times to thoroughly whisk everything. Then, we continue the mixing by hand using a spoon. If your mug is large enough, you can use exclusively the electric whisk to combine everything. However, since we wanted to use three identical mugs and the ones we had were slightly smaller, we couldnt use the electric whisk exclusively without risking a mess.
After preparing your hot cocoa base, there are other ways to make your hot chocolate even more special. Adding chili powder can give it a spicy kick that enhances the chocolate flavor. We also enjoy including special hot cocoa toppings to make the experience more festive and delightful. Stirring in hazelnut spread, a favorite pantry staple, would add a whole other taste and depth. During the holiday season, stirring your hot chocolate with a candy cane adds a festive touch, infusing it with a tasty and refreshing peppermint flavor.
Taste test: Cocoa with water
We conducted our blind taste test by first preparing our hot chocolate according to the directions, using a specific base for each mug. On the bottom of each cup, we marked which liquid was used so we could refer back after tasting. Then, to ensure a completely blind test, we turned our backs and had a fellow participant shuffle the mugs. We then numbered the cups and began sipping.
Mug No. 1, as it turned out, contained the cocoa mix with water. True to our suspicions, this hot chocolate was the darkest of the three and had the thinnest texture. The chocolate flavor came through strongly, and the Swiss Miss taste was quite delightful. We were also pleased to find that this cup of hot cocoa was virtually clump-free, with everything integrating well into the hot water. We had set our tea kettle to 170 F, which we believe was the perfect temperature for immediate drinking upon preparation, and it seemed ideal for this purpose.
Milk vs Water in Hot Chocolate • 8.25.21
FAQ
Should I use water or milk for hot chocolate?
Is hot chocolate originally made with water or milk?
Is Swiss Miss better with water or milk?
How do you make hot chocolate water taste better?
Can hot chocolate be made with milk & water?
On a mission to find out, and to avoid common hot chocolate mistakes, we conducted a blind taste test, comparing hot chocolate made with milk, water, and a combination of the two. While we weren’t shocked by our results, we were surprised by just how delicious even our least favorite option was.
Is chocolate milk healthy?
Chocolate milk has similar nutrients compared to regular milk but is higher in carbohydrates because of the added sugar. It is a good source of leucine which is an important amino acid for building muscle tissue. The high carbohydrate content along with essential amino acids make it a good post workout drink. The calcium content of this beverage supports bone health. It does contain lactose so those with lactose intolerance would experience digestive issues after drinking chocolate milk. If you are avoiding added sugar and saturated fat you may want to make another choice because chocolate milk does contain these.
Is water based hot chocolate better than milk based?
Water-based hot chocolate offers a purer cocoa experience and might be more antioxidant-rich, while the milk-based version is nutrient-dense, offering added proteins, fats, and vitamins. Whether you like your hot chocolate with milk or water the best choice depends on individual nutritional needs and preferences.
Why is skim milk better than water in hot chocolate?
It’s because it’s the same principle that applies to using water in hot chocolate: When you use something like skim milk in hot chocolate, it doesn’t have a lot of creaminess or create that lush mouthfeel we all love with quality hot chocolate. Now, again, if skim milk is all you have, it’s lightyears ahead of using water.