Hot Chocolate Recipe: How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Mix

There’s something magical about autumn – the crisp air, the cosy scarves, and, of course, the sweet, warming flavours of pumpkin spice. But who says pumpkin spice should only be reserved for lattes? With Rococo’s 62% dark chocolate flakes, you can create a truly indulgent and sophisticated pumpkin spice hot chocolate at home. All you need is a homemade pumpkin spice mix, your favourite milk (or non-dairy alternative), and Rococo’s decadent chocolate flakes.

Ready to spice things up? Let’s dive in!

Making Your Own Pumpkin Spice Mix

The key to a perfect pumpkin spice hot chocolate lies in the spice mix. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and once you’ve got it ready, you can sprinkle it on everything – from your morning porridge to an evening slice of cake. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Mix:

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1½ teaspoons ground cloves

Simply combine all the spices in a small jar, give them a shake, and voilà – you’ve got your very own pumpkin spice mix! It’s warming, fragrant, and with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the deep cocoa notes of Rococo’s 62% hot chocolate flakes.

Choosing the Perfect Milk (Dairy & Non-Dairy Options)

The milk (or milk alternative) you choose can make or break your hot chocolate experience. The richness and creaminess of the milk directly affect the texture and mouthfeel of your drink, so it’s important to choose wisely.

For Dairy Lovers:

• Whole Milk: This is the gold standard for creamy hot chocolate. The higher fat content (around 3.5%) helps create a rich, velvety drink that complements the smoothness of Rococo’s chocolate flakes.
• Semi-Skimmed Milk: If you prefer something a little lighter, semi-skimmed works too. It’s still creamy enough to create a smooth hot chocolate but with a touch less indulgence.

Non-Dairy Alternatives:

• Oat Milk: For a non-dairy option that’s wonderfully creamy and neutral in flavour, oat milk is perfect. Its mild sweetness pairs beautifully with chocolate and spices without overpowering the mix.
• Almond Milk: Almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavour to the hot chocolate, which works well with the richness of dark chocolate and the warmth of the pumpkin spice.
• Coconut Milk: For something a little more tropical, coconut milk is a great choice. It adds a unique richness and a touch of sweetness that elevates the hot chocolate experience.
• Soy Milk: Soy milk is a versatile option with a creaminess close to dairy milk, making it ideal for a smoother hot chocolate.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

Now that we’ve got our pumpkin spice mix and chosen the perfect milk, it’s time to bring everything together. This recipe makes one indulgent mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate, but feel free to scale up if you’re sharing the love.

Ingredients:

• 200ml of your chosen milk (whole, oat, almond, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons Rococo’s 62% hot chocolate flakes
• ½ teaspoon of your homemade pumpkin spice mix
• 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
• Whipped cream (optional, for an extra indulgent finish)
• Extra pumpkin spice for dusting

Method:

1. Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat your chosen milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
2. Add the hot chocolate flakes: Whisk in Rococo’s 62% hot chocolate flakes, stirring continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and silky.
3. Spice it up: Add the pumpkin spice mix and whisk again to ensure the spices are well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level if necessary – if you’re feeling extra autumnal, add a pinch more!
4. Sweeten if desired: If you prefer your hot chocolate on the sweeter side, stir in a tablespoon of sugar or your preferred sweetener. The natural sweetness of the milk and chocolate might already be enough, so adjust to your taste.
5. Serve and garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with whipped cream (if you’re feeling fancy), and finish with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice mix for that perfect autumnal touch.

The Final Sip

There you have it – a deliciously indulgent pumpkin spice hot chocolate made with Rococo’s luxurious 62% dark chocolate flakes. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy milk, and warming spices makes this the perfect drink for those cosy autumn nights. Whether you’re curled up with a good book or sharing it with friends, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favourite.

So, get creative, spice things up, and treat yourself to a cup of autumn bliss with Rococo. You’ve earned it!