Move over, traditional cocoa - there's a more unique flavor in town. Meet Ruby Hot Chocolate, the prettiest drink you've ever laid eyes on. With its alluring pink hue and irresistible fruity notes, this luxurious drink is perfect for cozy evenings by the fire.
Ruby hot chocolate is more than just a beverage; it's an experience that transcends ordinary hot cocoa.
Don't get me wrong, give me the most chocolatey hot chocolate, and I will never complain, but this one is a little dainty, a little sassy, and perfect for a girl's night in!
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Meet your new favorite hot chocolate
Ruby chocolate is a unique type of chocolate made with ruby cocoa beans. It's a fun way to jazz up a traditional mug of cocoa. And, I promise, if you serve it, people will be talking about it!
- With only 2 ingredients, it's a breeze to make
- Naturally pink with no artificial colorings or flavorings
- Perfect for Valentine's Day, "Galentines" Day, or a girls' night in
- Lovely served at Easter or Mother's Day brunch
- Kid-friendly (think Barbie-themed or playful tea parties)
Ingredients
Only 2 ingredients. No really-you only need milk and ruby chocolate!
- Ruby chocolate- When I first developed this recipe back in 2023, I used a popular chocolate brand called Chocolove. Sadly, they have since discontinued their ruby chocolate bars (that's the one you see in all the pictures), so I had to find a new brand. I found this one online, and it works just as well. I won't lie, ruby chocolate is expensive, but it's a nice investment if you're looking to experiment with different flavors or you have a special occasion worth celebrating.
- Milk- I use 2% cow's milk, but you can use any milk want.
- Whipped cream and marshmallows- for topping
See the recipe card for quantities.
Step by step
Below is a quick visual on how to make ruby pink hot chocolate.
Step 1. Begin by chopping the chocolate into chunks (if using bar chocolate). If you are using ruby chocolate wafers or chips, you can leave them as is.
Step 2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Add the chocolate and whisk until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
Step 4. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or additional ruby chocolate shavings if using. Serve immediately.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tip
When heating the milk, be sure not to boil it. Boiling the milk will cause the chocolate to seize up. You want it just hot enough to melt the chocolate.
Substitutions and variations
- Traditional hot chocolate. If you're looking for a classic hot chocolate, you can use regular cocoa powder or high-quality dark chocolate to make a rich, creamy drink.
- White hot chocolate. For a creamy and sweet option, you can make white hot chocolate using white chocolate chips or bars. It won't have the same pink color, but it will still be delicious.
Garnishes for ruby hot cocoa
It's really all about the presentation, am I right?
- Whipped cream. Top your drink with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Cocoa powder. Dust with cocoa powder over the top for an elegant touch.
- Chocolate shavings or curls. Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate shavings or curls from a bar of high-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate to serve on top.
- Edible flowers. Place a small edible flower, such as a pansy or a rose petal, on the surface of your hot chocolate.
- Fruit slices. Thin slices of fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus can add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Marshmallows. Choose mini marshmallows or flavored marshmallows that match the flavor profile of your ruby hot chocolate.
Testing note
Ruby chocolate is similar to semisweet chocolate in that it contains sugar. Because of that, I didn't find that the hot chocolate needed additional sugar. If you like your cocoa super sweet, feel free to add sugar or additional ruby chocolate.
FAQ
Ruby chocolate tastes sweet and tart. It has many similarities to white chocolate in terms of texture and creaminess. However, unlike white chocolate, it has a slightly sour and fruity taste. Some describe it as having strawberry or raspberry notes.
Ruby chocolate got its name after chocolate experts discovered that certain unfermented cacao beans from Brazil, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast have a naturally occurring pink hue. These unfermented cocoa beans are treated with citric acid to maintain their bright color.
Love pink food?
Me too! Give some of these pink colored favorites a try:
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Ruby Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- small saucepan
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup chopped ruby chocolate, plus more for topping (optional) If you like it sweeter, add up to ½ cup
- whipped cream, marshmallows for serving optional
Instructions
- Begin by chopping the chocolate in chunks (if using bar chocolate). If you are using ruby chocolate wafers or chips, you can leave them as is.⅓ cup chopped ruby chocolate, plus more for topping (optional)
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Add the chocolate and whisk until completely melted and smooth.1 cup milk
- Pour into a mug and garnish with additional ruby chocolate, fresh whipped cream, and marshmallows, if using. Serve immediately.whipped cream, marshmallows for serving
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
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